All these leagues have become a platform to identify talent, says Zaheer Khan
One of the greatest fast bowlers India has produced, Zaheer Khan believes that leagues based on shorter formats have become a platform where young talent can be recognised. He believes this can fast track careers of talented bowlers, as seen in the case of Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer.
Veteran Indian bowler Zaheer Khan discusses how T20 cricket has helped in identifying talents. Traditionally first-class cricket was considered to be a primary breeding ground of talent. But with the advent and rise of T20 and now T10 leagues around the world, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer, etc, have grabbed the limelight and turned out to represent their countries not only in white-ball cricket but also red-ball cricket.
"All these leagues have become a platform to identify talent, you notice them when you see them play on such stages'" said Zaheer, as quoted by CricBuzz.
"Thus the perception is such that everyone is taking this route of T20 rather than Test matches or ODI's," he added.
No one would have believed that Jofra Archer who was not even in the scheme of things for England about six months ago, will be handed the responsibility of bowling the Super Over in the World Cup final that would be eventually won by England. Zaheer believes that this fast-tracking of Jofra Archer has taken place only due to the rise of T20 cricket and league formats around the world.
"These leagues have become a platform of sporting talent. Their talent does not go unnoticed. They can fast track the careers of talented pacers. take a look at Jofra (Archer). England did everything possible," he cheekily said.
When asked about whether T20 is a batsman's game or a bowler's game, Zaheer certainly gave the apt answer that although batsmen enjoy hitting sixes and fours and entertain the crowds, it is the bowlers that win you games of cricket.
"It is a batter's game but bowlers win you matches," he concluded.