'I don't target individual batsmen'

Since his return to the team after injury problems early on in his international career, Zaheer Khan [ Images ] has become a vital cog in the Indian bowling wheel, matching aggressive consistency with wicket-taking ability. He spoke to Senior Contributing Correspondent Ashish Magotra on the eve of India's [ Images ] first match of the World Cup in Paarl. Excerpts:

After the England [ Images ] tour, there as been a steady improvement rise in your performance. Do you attribute this to anything in particular?

Not really. Ever since the West Indies [ Images ] tour, things have been going very well for me. I have been working very hard with the trainer (Adrian le Roux) and that has been working well for me. My fitness levels have gone up and there has been a corresponding improvement in my performances on the field.

You were outstanding in the Tests on the recent New Zealand [ Images ] tour. But somehow you were not able to maintain the same levels of consistency in the one-dayers. Was that the result of overload?

Actually, I was very happy with the way I bowled in New Zealand -- both in the Tests and the one-dayers. The truth is, in the one-dayers, anything can happen and even the most outstanding bowler can be smashed to all parts of the park. To a bowler what matters in such a situation, is rhythm. And I was extremely happy with my overall rhythm in New Zealand.

Although Srinath is our most experienced bowler, you've emerged as our strike bowler, a bit like Glenn McGrath [ Images ]. Do you target any batsmen in particular, like McGrath does?

No. My entire focus while opening the bowling for India is to take early wickets. I don't pick out any individual batsmen.

Is the feeling that you underuse the short ball justified?

No I don't think so.

Have you added anything to your armoury for the World Cup?

I am bowling a lot and my rhythm is getting better. I am looking forward to the coming matches.