While one of the most memorable finals in the tournament’s history transpired in Hyderabad, he sat beside MI’s former Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan, and their conversations continued as they had throughout the season.
In May 2019, Rasikh Salam was situated in a prime position in the Mumbai Indians dugout, as the team endeavoured to surpass their fellow IPL royalty, the Chennai Super Kings, and secure their fourth title. Rasikh’s seating configuration remained unchanged, despite the fact that he had played his sole game of the season nearly two months prior.
The potential of Rasikh was recognised, and he was instructed to sit in during matches with the former India pacer, despite his youth and relative inexperience. Zaheer Khan engaged the youngster in discussions that necessitated him to contemplate the game more deeply. Much of the information that the veteran discussed eluded Rasikh at the time. Zaheer Khan would take notes on the events in a specific over and subsequently enquire about my opinion on the bowler’s next course of action.
He would enquire, “What would you do if you were present?” Rasikh informs Cricbuzz, “We discussed a multitude of topics, and at the time, I was unable to comprehend a significant portion of it. However, as I have matured, I have come to appreciate its significance.”
I would question why he was instructing me to read the game. However, he would also stress that it is essential to possess the ability to read the game in addition to your talent. He would instruct me on how to approach the situation and how to employ my cognitive abilities during the game. I believe that this was the indication of an excellent coach at the time to train my mindset in that manner.
Zaheer Khan, who had a distinguished playing career, brought an analytical mind to his inaugural coaching position.
Although there are no assurances that instincts acquired in the field will be translated into coaching, the initial indications indicated that they were applicable to him. However, Zaheer Khan was fortunate to enter a system that was already engineered to operate at maximum efficiency at Michigan. The coaching structure was impenetrable, despite the large number of individuals involved, and it ensured that no one stepped on another’s heels.
MI were unequivocal: Mahela Jayawardene was the head coach, and all others were subordinate to him. We were extremely diligent in our scouting efforts. We would engage in lengthy meetings as a management team to deliberate on our own team, discuss our opponents, and subsequently devise plans of action. James Pamment informs Cricbuzz that Zaheer played a significant role in that.
Pamment was a critical member of the coaching staff at MI from 2018 to 2024, serving as both an assistant coach and a fielding specialist. Zaheer Khan consistently demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen, particularly in the context of his strategic plans for bowling. He provided valuable insight when we were attempting to determine the most effective approach to bowling to the opposition’s top players. However, on the turf, he was exceedingly personable, exhibiting a somewhat relaxed demeanour. He was undoubtedly exceptionally knowledgeable regarding the technical aspect. However, he never exceeded the bounds.
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In 2020, Trent Boult arrived at MI and formed a partnership with Zaheer to discuss the tactical intricacies of left-arm fast bowling. Zaheer Khan was consistently vigilant about adhering to his mandate, as Shane Bond served as his bowling coach. In reality, Zaheer Khan contributed significantly more than his tactical acumen.
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