That's what several southpaw opening batsmen feel after Zaheer Khan has troubled them. Gayle better watch out!
That's what several southpaw opening batsmen feel after Zaheer Khan has troubled them. Gayle better watch out!
The sight of Zaheer Khan taking on left-handed opening batsmen is akin to a bull being shown a red cloth.
And on most occasions, Zaheer finds his target.
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Zaheer Khan. Pic/Getty Images |
Hence, the Kolkata Knight Riders' fans better keep their excitement in control about having Chris Gayle back in their ranks for today's Indian Premier League game against Mumbai Indians. While Gayle has enacted the role of a terminator to many new-ball bowlers, he has not enjoyed the same success against Mumbai Indians' spearhead Zaheer.
Zaheer has a knack of making life difficult for left-handed openers with his accurate swing bowling. In the seven Tests they have played against each other, Zaheer has accounted for Gayle five times.
The Indian left-arm seamer has also claimed Gayle's wicket on two occasions in ODIs. Even though it has been some time since Zaheer took on Gayle, the Mumbai spearhead has lost none of his edge over left-handers. The West Indian opener will do well to take a close look at India's last Test series against South Africa where Zaheer gave left-hand opener Graeme Smith a torrid time.
Finding themselves in a bit of trouble after two defeats in four games, KKR coach Dav Whatmore is hoping that Gayle will provide the inspiration to his team. "We know that he is the captain of the West Indies squad and is a very imposing sort of a guy. We welcome him with both arms," said Whatmore.
Batting has been KKR's main concern. If Gayle can give them a good start, it will also allow the middle-order to play more freely. The West Indies captain will take the place of Brad Hodge or Owais Shah.
However, Mumbai coach Robin Singh did not make much of a fuss about the Gayle factor.
"We have not really thought about it. We are just focusing on what we want to do and what team we want to play," said Robin.
As for Gayle's big hitting which can demoralise any attack, the MI coach said:"(It) hardly matters (how big a hitter Gayle is). There are many big-hitters in the tournament."
