Loss of Zaheer will weaken Indian cricket team, says Ishant Sharma

New Delhi, May 28 (ANI): The loss of fast bowler Zaheer Khan could diminish India's chances of retaining the Twenty20 World Cup.

Such was the view of his team mate and fellow pace bowler Ishant Sharma and he said this while interacting with media persons at a school which he visited here on Wednesday.

This visit to Modern School also happened to a promotional campaign for the ensuing Twenty20 World Cup tournament.

However, the 20-year-old Sharma exuded confidence by contending he can help make up for the absence of an injured Zaheer if he misses the Twenty20 World Cup cricket tournament in England, starting on June 5.

"Obviously, Zaheer Khan would have helped us. I don't think its good news for the Indian cricket team. He is the senior most of bowlers of the side and he has helped me quite a lot and other fast bowlers in the side. It is going to be a tough time for the Indian fast bowlers," said Sharma.

Meanwhile, Indian cricket team selectors are waiting for a favourable word from Zaheer who injured his left shoulder while playing in the second edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). He has stayed in South Africa for treatment.

The 30-year-old Zaheer Khan was in superb form alongside Sharma when they helped India win last year's home Test series against Australia and England and also later in the series in New Zealand in April, this year.

Ishant Sharma also refused to blame captain Brendon McCullum or coach John Buchanan for the debacle of Kolkata Knight Riders in the recent IPL tourney. On the contrary, he attributed it to the team clicking as one.

"I feel it all depends upon the team which plays, be it with any captain or coach. I feel the whole team (Kolkata Knight Riders) didn't play good cricket and that's why we lost," said Sharma.

Yet, the lanky Sharma seemed to be confident of leaving the nightmare behind and look ahead for the Twenty20 World Cup. He had sealed his slot in the Indian squad after he was chosen for the home Test series against Pakistan in late 2007. (ANI)