Never abused Zaheer Khan, he is literally a guru for me: Ishant Sharma

In the drawn match, New Zealand scored 192 runs in the first innings as Ishant Shama picked six wickets. Mohammed Shami picked four wickets, while Zaheer went wicketless. In the second innings, New Zealand piled up 680/8 and Zaheer picked a five-wicket haul.

“I had told that to myself. To this day, people don’t understand to whom I said that. I have never abused anyone who has dropped a catch. How can say that to Zak? He is literally like guru for me. I have never even thought about saying anything like that,” Ishant added.

Further, the Delhi pacer went on to add that Zaheer Khan was a better bowler than James Anderson. Zaheer played 92 Test matches for India and picked 311 wickets at an average of 32.94. Anderson, who is part of England’s ongoing Ashes squad, has played 180 Test matches and picked 686 wickets at an average of 26.11.

“Jimmy Anderson’s bowling style and method is quite different. He plays in different conditions in England. May be if he played in India. Zak is better than Jimmy Anderson,” said Ishant.

Ishant also credited his Delhi and India teammate Virat Kohli for bringing revolution in the fitness standards of the players.

“When Virat Kohli became the captain, he brought fitness culture into the Indian team; it became compulsory to everyone. Now, if you see Shami & other fast bowlers, you can see the difference. That was huge under Kohli,” Ishant added.