Former India pacer Zaheer Khan on Monday referred India’s 5-0 T20I triumph in New Zealand as a “huge achievement” and he hoped that they will carry the momentum into the three-match ODI series starting from Wednesday. The Indian team recently whitewashed New Zealand with an all-round performance. However, Zaheer Khan expects them to replicate this in ODIs as well.
Asked about it, tye experienced pacer told reporters here, “I am expecting things to get better. New Zealand were having a tough time, they tried to find answers to beat this Indian team. But I feel 5-0 victory is a huge achievement.”
This is only the third time when India whitewashed their opponents in an away T20I series. Earlier, India did this against the West Indies 3-0 in 2019 and beat Australia 3-0 way back in 2016.
“They should take a lot of pride from what they have done from the New Zealand. It is definitely going to be a tough (ODI) series for New Zealand. For India, it is about maintaining that momentum and carrying the confidence from previous series win to the ODI and test matches,” he said.
Read here: Zaheer Khan Gives Advice To Injured Hardik Pandya
However, Zaheer Khan also spoke to Hardik Pandya and advised him not to rush his comeback as he is not fully fit for the match and has been dropped from the squad as well.
“I have (spoken to him). I will say this to anyone who is a sportsman and is going through an injury phase. It’s frustrating at times when you’re away from the game, but it’s very important to stay patient and control things in your control. It’s about listening to your body,” Zaheer Khan said.
“You have to be patient through that process and you have to listen to the team which is around you — the support staff, be it your doctor, your physio, your trainers. Those are the key people one should communicate with and control the controllables. I have always been advising everyone in the same fashion: you have to take your time; you cannot be impatient and rush your comeback. It’s about when you come back, it should be in for a long haul,” he concluded.
