Zaheer expected to be fit before India's first match

India’s premium quick bowler, Zaheer Khan, who was injured in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), is expected to be fit ahead of India’s first game of the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 2009.

Zaheer, India's leading bowler over the last two seasons, underwent rehabilitation in South Africa after picking up an injury during a stint with his IPL team, Mumbai Indians.

The left-arm pacer injured his bowling shoulder while diving to stop a drive in a game against Bangalore Royal Challengers which ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament, which was held in South Africa.

“Zaheer Khan is not one hundred per cent fit, but we hope he would be fit by the time of our first match (on June 6 at Trent Bridge)," Dhoni said in his pre-departure media conference in Mumbai.

"We are hoping he would get fit by the 2nd or 3rd (of June)," he added.

Ironically, Zaheer had missed the maiden edition of the ICC World Twenty20 event in South Africa due to an ankle strain. His presence in the side this time around will not only lend experience but also sharpen India’s fast bowling.

He had an excellent tour of England when India last traveled there in 2008 and in 2006 he played for Worcestershire claiming 78 wickets from 16 matches, which also earned him a recall to the national side.

Defending champions India open its campaign against Bangladesh on June 6 at Nottingham.