Thaindian News

Mumbai, April 5 (IANS) India’s outgoing cricket coach Gary Kirsten feels Zaheer Khan is the best medium pacer in the World.

The 43-year-old South African, in his farewell press conference Tuesday before leaving for Cape Town, said Zaheer is the most dangerous against the left-handers. Zaheer, alsong with Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, was the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup with 21 scalps.

“Zaheer is the best bowler in the world right now. He performs well under pressure. I think he is an unbelievable bowler to left-handers,” Kirsten told reporters at the Cricket Center at the Wankhede Stadium.

The South African spoke highly of the other Indian bowlers but stressed they need support of the reserves.

“I was impressed with Munaf Patel. He performed well in the World Cup. Ashish Nehra also did well. Zaheer has been No.1 for a long time but these guys need support. Pragyan Ojha too has done well and he just needs to keep learning what he has to do,” he said.

On the batting front, he said: “Virat Kohli is ready for Test cricket. He is a bright young star. He has taken the responsibility of playing for India in big games really well. You cannot be in the team with average performances.”

“I have also enjoyed working with Suresh Raina. He has been an exceptional player. I have been impressed with Cheteshwar Pujara who can be a star of the future in Test matches.”

Kirsten had a special mention for comeback man Yuvraj Singh, the Player of the Tournament at the World Cup.

“He was well-prepared and he had worked hard on his bowling. For Yuvi to end up being man of the tournament, I am extremely proud of him,” he said.