Tahir, who made his international debut in 2011, knows what it feels like to be left out in the cold by the selectors, especially after he was snubbed for the 2021 T20 World Cup.
So it’s not surprising he feels for leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who hasn’t been seen in national colours since August last year.
With Kuldeep Yadav being the choice to play alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Chahal has been left to bide his time.
Tahir, who plays for Joburg Super Kings in the Betway SA20 League, is, however, confident Chahal’s time will come.
“I’m not sure if Chahal was dropped because he was not performing. He has been playing well. Kuldeep (Yadav) has stepped up and has been bowling very well with (Ravindra) Jadeja. Kuldeep has grabbed the opportunities and he is a world-class bowler. For me, Yuzi is still one of the best leg-spinners in the world. He just needs to wait for his chances. Coming into the IPL, he needs to start afresh,” said Tahir here on Wednesday.
Known as much for his over-thetop celebration as his skills as a leggie, Tahir rates Kuldeep and his countryman Tabraiz Shamsi as the best spinners in the world.
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“Considering what Kuldeep has achieved in the last year and the bowler he was earlier, he has been bowling brilliantly. Adam Zampa too has done well for Australia. But Tabraiz Shamsi is the guy for me. He hasn’t got consistent opportunities but he is a brilliant bowler. If he gets his opportunities, I think he will do a lot of good things for South Africa and any other teams he plays for.”
At 44, Tahir is still a globe-trotting cricketer, and he hopes his journey will be an inspiration to youngsters, especially his son Gibran.
“If I want to play competitive cricket, I need to lead by example (in fitness). I want to inspire youngsters. If you can look after yourself and stay fit, you can play for as long as you want. More importantly, I want to be an example for my son,” he added.
Tahir, who has shown no signs of slowing down, believes attack is the best form of defence. He said that’s his game philosophy which he does not want to change.
“Over the past five years my attacking bowling style has been working for me, so I don’t want to change. I’d rather stick to what I know. I know cricket has moved forward with batsmen coming up with different plans. But personally, putting the ball in the right area with clear plans is what works.”
