The most clever fast bowler I know, says MS Dhoni
Indian legend Sachin said he was a bowler who could out think the batsman most of the times
New Delhi: BCCI on Thursday paid rich tribute to retiring Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan, describing him as an outstanding role model who served Indian cricket with remarkable passion and commitment.
I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off with IPL 9. #ZaksNewBeginning pic.twitter.com/FLpaokbLy1
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) October 15, 2015One of India's greatest pacer, Zaheer, who represented the country in 92 Tests and 200 ODIs in which he picked 282 and 311 wickets respectively, called time on his 14-year long international career.
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
The 37-year old pacer, who made his India debut in 2000 and played his last game for India in 2014 at Wellington against New Zealand made the announcement today.
BCCI president, Shashank Manohar complimented Zaheer on his wonderful career and said: "The BCCI appreciates Zaheer Khan's outstanding service to Indian cricket. He served Indian cricket with remarkable passion and commitment.
Being a fast bowler in the Indian sub-continent is challenging but he led the bowling attack with distinction and contributed significantly to the success of Indian cricket. I wish him all the best for the future."
Read: Zaheer Khan reveals why he retired from international cricket
BCCI secretary, Anurag Thakur said: "Zaheer will go down as one of the finest fast bowler in the history of Indian cricket. He has been the leader of Indian fast bowlers in the last decade or so and of the best exponent of reverse swing in the country.
I congratulate @ImZaheer on his wonderful career! He will go down as one of the finest fast bowlers in the history of Indian cricket. @BCCI
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 15, 2015He has been an outstanding role model on and off the field for Indian cricket. Zaheer has been one of the key reasons for India's success over the last fifteen years. I congratulate him on his wonderful career."
. @ImZaheer hs been the leader of Indian fast bowlers in the last decade or so & one of the best exponent of reverse swing in India. @BCCI
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 15, 2015The highlight of Zaheer's ODI career was the 2011 World Cup where he emerged as Indian team's most lethal weapon and inspired Team India to the title of World Champions at home with 21 wickets at 18.76.
An outstanding role model on & off field fr Indian cricket. @ImZaheer hs been one of the key reasons fr Indias success ovr last 15yrs! @bcci
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 15, 2015He was the joint highest wicket-taker of the tournament with Shahid Afridi. On his final outing for India, the second Test against New Zealand in February 2014, Zaheer claimed five for 170 - his 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who witnessed Zaheer's growth said the veternan fast bowler was one who could 'out think' the batsman most of the times.
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Team India's ODI skipper MS Dhoni also took to social media to thank Zaheer for his service to the Indian cricket team. Other members from the cricket fraternity too appreciated his efforts to take Team India to greater heights. Here are some of them.
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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, 2015Well done buddy. Was a privilege to play against you. @ImZaheer all the best with your future endeavours https://t.co/tuX8YnMGBT
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 15, 2015My 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, 2015Congratulations @ImZaheer on an amazing career.terrific bowler but an even better friend.looking forward to some good times ahead.
— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) October 15, 2015Congratulations to @ImZaheer on a fantastic international career! pic.twitter.com/IaY0f9WS8Y
— ICC (@ICC) October 15, 2015I am sure @ImZaheer will continue to contribute to Ind cricket especially in the development of young fast bowlers.#LEGEND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 15, 2015Congrats @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, 2015Wonderful to have played with you Zak @ImZaheer great bowler great skill! Best wishes for the future.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 15, 2015When 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, 2015Zaheer Khan to announce his retirement from international cricket. Was imminent but his contribution to Indian cricket isn't over.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 15, 2015Zaheer Khan to retire: 610 international wkts in 309 mts frm 2000-2014 Only Anil Kumble 956, Harbhajan 706 and Kapil Dev 687 have more wkts!
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 15, 2015What a bowler mr khan and supper dildar yar. God bless you my brother. Love you zakiiiiiiiii @ImZaheer @BCCI https://t.co/DIjlt1rHHo
— Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) October 15, 2015You will be missed fella u have given a lot to Indian cricket with your sweat and blood and some great spells still remember sharing my
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 15, 2015room when we got selected to play for India for the first time I have shared some great wins and memories with you on and of the field
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 15, 2015cricket gave you evthin and it gave me a friend like u an absolute gem So long Zakattack il see u on the other side God bles you @ImZaheer
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 15, 2015Congratulations! On a fantastic career @ImZaheer. You brought laurels to the nation with immense contribution #ZAKRetires #ZaksNewBeginning
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) October 15, 2015Congratulations ZAK pa on an outstanding career. It was an absolute pleasure to have played with you and known you! @ImZaheer 'u r the best'
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) October 15, 2015Well done Zak bhai @ImZaheer on your fantastic career. You are a true role model for all the fast bowlers in the world.
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) October 15, 2015@ImZaheer really enjoyed playing with you. Wish you have great after retirement life. Take care fella. God bless.
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) October 15, 2015Standing ovation as India's finest fast bowler @ImZaheer walks into d sunset of his career. Swung d ball both ways, a menace for batsmen
— GGF (@GautamGambhir) October 15, 2015@ImZaheer not only a fantastic cricketer but a very, very fine human being. I wish him a peaceful and healthy retired life. Salutes...
— GGF (@GautamGambhir) October 15, 2015