For many years, Zaheer Khan was the mainstay of India's bowling attack. Be it tests or ODIs, the team often depended on him to create breakthroughs with his swingers or yorkers. In fact with his 311 wickets in Test at a striking average of 32.95, he is still rated as the second-most successful Indian pace bowler in Test cricket, behind Kapil Dev.
The biggest moment for the tall man came when he played a significant role in the 2011 World Cup, being the leading bowler for India, that eventually went on to win the cup.
Yet, Zaheer's career has not been as smooth as his balls, frequently disrupted by his injuries. But just like the never-say-die spirit he displays on the field, he does the same in life as well. He is now an avid entrepreneur with restaurants and lounges to his name. And learning the hardway through his own personal experiences while he was injured, he has even launched India's first fitness and rehabilitation center, that aims to help sportspersons recuperate in a scientific and empirical manner. ProSport is the fitness and physiotheraphy centre where he is trying to bring new fitness techniques and regimens in India.
In a freewheeling chat with Shashwat DC and Avinash Iyer, the 36-year-old cricketer also known as Zak, who is preparing hard for the upcoming IPL, talks about turning entrepreneur and the state of sports fitness in India.
And even as he does all that, he is still a simple cricketer at heart following India's campaign in the World Cup. While he still wears his loyalties for the Men in Blue on his sleeve, he is wary of the New Zealanders, "They could be the dark horses," he warns.
Q. How and when did you get bitten by the entrepreneurship bug?
A. There was a phase in my career, when I was struggling with my injuries. Given the unpredictability of a sports career, I realized I need something to fall back on. I discussed this with my brother and that's how Zaheer Khan's Hospitality came into existence. It has been about 10 years now. We started our first outlet in 2005 and now we have four outlets in Pune. I have always enjoyed creating something new, be it in sports or otherwise.
I was also looking to create something in connection with what I do – play cricket. That's where the idea of Toss (a sports lounge in Pune) came. We thought that sports in this country is picking up so much and has such a huge fan following. We wanted to give something to the fans where they could connect with the sportsperson or the sport they follow. Toss is a sports lounge where we not only focus on creating an environment which is very sports-centric, but we are also bringing in sports stars so fans can spend an evening with them. We are going beyond just being a sports lounge and trying to get fans closer to sports stars. For this World Cup, we send a couple of guys to watch a game in Australia.
Q. What's with hospitality and cricketers? Is it some form of creative outlet for you all?
A. When you travel, you explore different kinds of cuisines. It gives you exposure to various cultures. During foreign tours, I too was open to trying the local specialties. By getting into the hospitality business, you get a chance to combine these culinary experiences under one roof and present it to your people. As in the case of my restaurant, my brother ably supported me and things just fell into place. The idea was to bring in my personality to the restaurant, but the food was supposed to be the hero.
Q. You started a fitness and physiotherapy centre called ProSport Fitness in Mumbai. How did this happen?
A. I had been thinking about starting a fitness and physiotherapy centre for nearly 5-6 years, more so after my shoulder surgery that took place somewhere around 2008. We have brilliant surgeons in India, but the post-surgery period is often not backed by the right of physiotherapy, which is absolutely essential. As an athlete, you have to get back onto the field as soon as possible. You need a bit of aggressive physiotherapy. You just don't have to get recovered from a surgery, but you also have to get to probably what you were before. That's how the idea of ProSport was born.
Working out: Zaheer Khan trains at ProSport
Q. When it comes to sports fitness and physiotherapy, is there a gap between India and other countries?
A. There is a gap. There was a reason I used to go abroad for physiotherapy because I used to never find that kind of training in India. I strongly felt that India needed a centre dedicated to sports injuries, injury management and sports rehabilitation. At ProSport, we have physiotherapists and trainers from abroad. When you have a patient coming in specially post surgery, you are taking him through the whole routine. Physiotherapist takes care of his rehab till he is mobile, the moment the physiotherapist thinks that he is ready for training, trainer takes the patient to a level where he is fully read to go on his own. ProSport is not only for athletes but for commoners as well.
Q. Are people becoming more and more aware about fitness these days?
A. Yes. The amount of people participating in marathons has gone up. A lot of people are taking up adventure sports. This shows that people are understanding the importance of staying fit and healthy. ProSport is also taking a road which is a bit educational so that people realize that this facility is not only for athletes. If athletes can do it, so can you.
Q. What is your vision for the future of ProSport?
A. Vision is to make a difference. The concept is unique. It's not a typical gym. We want to have studios and hubs. ProSport studios will be more training centric and hubs will take a holistic approach towards sports.
Through ProSport, we are encouraging people to take fitness seriously.
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