Mumbai/Johannesburg: There seems to be a cloud over ace Indian speedster Zaheer Khan’s participation in the ICC World Twenty20.
The left-arm-seamer, who played for Mumbai Indians in the just-concluded IPL, injured his bowling shoulder in the game against Royal Challengers in Johannesburg on May 3.
He didn't play in a single game after that. All the while, it was believed that Zaheer would get fit for India's defence of their World Twenty20 title and play in the tournament to be held in England (June 5-21). However, things might not be that easy.
While the rest of the Mumbai Indians team has comeback home, Zaheer has chosen to stay back in South Africa to complete his rehab.
"Yes, he is there. He is working with a South African doctor and an update will be issued soon by the BCCI. But let me tell you his recovery is on track and he is expected to play the first game against Bangladesh (at Trent Bridge on June 5)," a member of the Indian team support staff said.
When TOI contacted Zaheer in Johannesburg, the fast bowler admitted that he was "undergoing rehab", but refused to speak more as he has been gagged by the Indian board. If he does indeed miss the bus, it’ll be a big blow for the Indian team.