Don't want to predict anything: Zaheer

Unlike many past and present day international cricketers, including his teammates, India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan prefers to steer clear of playing the prediction game ahead of the coming World Cup.

"Personally speaking, I don't want to predict anything," Zaheer said, when asked for his take on the best team going into the quadrennial extravaganza, starting February 19, in the sub-continent.

"I just want to follow the process," he added. 

The left-arm seamer though felt that playing with a more or less unchanged squad for the past few years is likely to benefit India in the World Cup. 

"We have the same bunch of guys playing together, and that is of great help in terms of building that team atmosphere in the dressing room and getting that momentum in the tournament," Zaheer explained.

As discussion turned to Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, who will be playing their third World Cup along with the seamer, Zaheer thanked both of them for supporting him when he needed it the most.

"They have supported me even when I was stuck with injuries and stuff like that. It's good that we are playing our third World Cup together and it's going to be a special one. 

"We go a long way and it's been a pleasure playing with them. They have been my very good friends," Zaheer said.

A lot has been made about India's tendency to buckle when put under pressure in front of the home crowd, but Zaheer seemed unperturbed. 

"Pressure of expectations is always going to be there. It's good that we are playing in front of our home crowd," Zaheer told NDTV.

"That's why I say that it's going to be special in terms of many things and a lot of us are going to cherish the memories of this World Cup for years to come. Hopefully, we will get everything together," Zaheer said. 

The series in South Africa, Zaheer said, put to rest his concerns about injuries.

"The last six months I was a little concerned about the niggle which I was having. But I am glad that I have picked up the momentum at the right time.

I was not able to get that match practice under my belt for various reasons. I always like it when playing matches, keeping that match fitness and bowling fitness going," he said.

"Except one Test, I have played the rest of the series in South Africa, so I am feeling confident," Zaheer added. 

Asked about the tri-coloured ponytail he is sporting of late, Zaheer said: "To keep it short, I am proud to be an Indian."