Former Indian left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan turns 42 today. Through his excellent performances for the Indian national team, Zaheer is viewed as one of India’s greatest ever bowlers. His fluent action and release coupled with his swing and pace made him a lethal weapon for India that troubled many a batsman.
Zaheer made his debut for India in ICC Knockout Cup in 2000. He was an integral part of the Indian pace bowling attack right from his debut to retirement.
He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India and picked up a whopping amount of 610 wickets. He played a crucial role in India’s World Cup win in 2011 when he emerged as the joint highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Known as a master of reverse swing, Zaheer also had a county stint with Worcestershire for whom he picked up ten wickets on debut becoming the first bowler in over 100 years to do so.
He retired from all forms of cricket in 2016. He is now a part of the Mumbai Indians’ squad in the Indian Premier League as ‘Director of Cricketing Operations’.
Cricketers wish Zaheer Khan
Indian captain Virat Kohli was among the first to wish Zaheer Khan.
A fellow hero of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, Yuvraj Singh also sent in his wishes.
VVS Laxman shared a throwback image to wish the pacer.
Harbhajan Singh shared an image of Zaheer with himself and Rohit Sharma to wish him.
Delhi Capitals’ batsman Ajinkya Rahane also posted a wish on his Twitter handle.
Ravichandran Ashwin who is also currently with the Delhi Capitals sent in his wish as well.
Mohammad Kaif praised Zaheer as having a “PhD in pace bowling” while wishing him.
Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to send in his wishes.
Pacer Ishant Sharma wished happiness, health and wealth on the birthday boy.
Kings XI Punjab’s Mohammad Shami wished Zaheer as well.
ICC shared a video of each of Zaheer Khan’s wickets in the 2011 World Cup to wish him.
Also Read: Why did Sunil Gavaskar use the term ‘Brown’ and not ‘Mankad’?
