MUMBAI: The overs-specific 2.5-minute
strategic breaks for batting as well as fielding sides in the third season of
the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting on March 12 would be interesting to
watch, feels India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan.

“It would be
interesting as we all have seen in the last IPL that soon after the break a
wicket falls. It’s good that the option to call it lies with the (fielding side)
captain. It can definitely change the momentum,” said Khan, who is to play for
Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians outfit.

The IPL governing
council has said that the strategic breaks are mandatory for the fielding side
between the 6th and 8th overs and by the batting side between the 11th and 15th
overs during the 45-day, eight-team T20 event.

The left arm pacer,
who missed the three-match ODI home series against South Africa last month after
picking up a leg injury in the second and last Test at Kolkata, on Wednesday,
said that early breakthroughs are very important.

“It’s important to
get early breakthroughs during the Power Play between overs one and six and
that’s the reason all teams are opting for good fast bowlers,” he said.

Zaheer, who said his present injury was minor and nothing in
comparison to what he picked up earlier in his career, was optimistic Mumbai
Indians would go all the way this year after not making the semi-finals in 2008
and 2009.

“Why only 14, I want to play all 16 matches (including the
semi-final and final apart from the home and away league games). I love playing
cricket,” Zaheer said, when asked about the heavy travelling involved not only
this year but next year when 10 teams are going to be in the fray.

On his leg injury, the speedster said it was frustrating as it
prevented him from bowling in the second innings of the Kolkata Test against
South Africa that India won to square the rubber.

“I knew it was not
serious, it was just frustrating because I could not bowl in the second innings.

“I had a few sessions with the NCA physios in Mumbai. My brother was
getting married and he was happy that I was at home. It was not a serious
injury. It was important that I did not aggravate it. It was probably Grade I
muscle tear of the quadriceps,” he elaborated.

“I have dealt with
bigger injuries. I was not worried about this. All I had to do was put in the
required work and I will be okay,” he added.

Looking ahead to Mumbai
Indians’ lung opener at the Cricket Club of India against inaugural edition
champions Rajasthan Royals, coached and captained by Shane Warne, Zaheer said
there was a big buzz in the team.

“It’s the first game of IPL3 for
us and Rajasthan Royals. So everyone is upbeat and excited,” Zaheer said.