Zaheer Khan says he is ready for the IPL grind

BANGALORE: Zaheer Khan has been the undisputed leader of the Indian bowling attack for a while now. In Bangalore, despite the presence of a few international bowlers such as Dirk Nannes and Charl Langeveldt, his role doesn't really change, something Zaheer wholeheartedly agreed with as he addressed the media on Thursday.

"A team is a team. You look to contribute in whatever way possible," he said.

Talking about the team's chances in IPL 5, Zaheer said: "Over the last two years the team has been performing consistently well. Even this time, our expectation will be that we do well. Obviously with the arrival of Vinay Kumar our bowling unit has been strengthened. So, we expect a lot out of this tournament."

It indeed is a long tournament, so his own fitness will be the key. But Zaheer says he's ready for the grind. "I'm slowly building it up. It's been some good time off for me. I could iron out whatever niggles I had and yes, I'm looking forward to the grinding IPL season," he said.

"I've just started bowling about a week back...just building it slowly. It's a long tournament so I don't want to rush things. I've been consulting the physio as well. It's just 20 overs...so that's way I can manage."