Indian cricket fraternity hailed Zaheer Khan as ‘clever’ and ‘coolest’ fast bowler as the former Team India player bid adieu to international cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar said the left-arm quickie was a thinking bowler, who had the power to “out-think” batsmen. Current ODI captain MS Dhoni said that Zaheer Khan was the most clever fast bowler he knew.
Zaheer, who played domestic matches for Baroda and Mumbai, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. He will continue to play the Indian Premier League till 2016.
After making his debut in 2000, 37-year-old Zaheer played his last international match for India in Wellington last year. He had lost a lot of pace but remained incisive with his ability to move and cut the ball. Tendulkar took to Twitter to laud the bowler’s ability to outfox the best of batsmen.
One of the coolest pace bowlers I know. He was a bowler who could ‘out think’ the batsman most of the times. Always up for a challenge (1/2)
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2015
I am sure he will do well as he begins a new chapter in his life. Wishing @ImZaheer all success in his retired life (2/2) — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2015
Well done ZAK on a fantastic career.without U it wd hve been very difficult to achieve what the ICT did.most clever fast bowler I know
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 15, 2015
Wonderful to have played with you Zak @ImZaheer great bowler great skill! Best wishes for the future.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 15, 2015
Congrats @ImZaheer on an outstanding career??Was a pleasure playing with u.Will always cherish the gr8 time we had while playing for Ind☺?
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 15, 2015
To a great fast bowler & an even greater person, I wish you luck in all future endeavours @ImZaheer bhai. You have inspired many like me.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 15, 2015
So long, Zaheer Khan. Thank you for all your brilliance on the cricket field. http://t.co/5fO0HvtLTv pic.twitter.com/Nl5HHjjowI
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 15, 2015
My go-to man. Perfect gentleman. Big Brother. And a legend in his own right. Good luck for your new innings @ImZaheer Wonderful to know u
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 15, 2015
Congratulations to @ImZaheer on a fantastic international career! pic.twitter.com/IaY0f9WS8Y
— ICC (@ICC) October 15, 2015
When you have a relaxed conversation with @ImZaheer you realise what a shrewd and intelligent cricketer he was. Wish him well.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 15, 2015