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Born on 7 October 1978, at 44, Zaheer Khan's age reflects a rich history of cricketing excellence. India, which had always yearned for a genuine fast bowler, found a gem in him just as the legendary Javagal Srinath was nearing the end of his tenure.
Zaheer was one of the best when wielding a new ball, especially against left-handers. His expertise in reverse swing, dominance in Test cricket, and iconic status as a World Cup hero have cemented his place in the history of Indian cricket.
Life wasn't always about cricketing glories for Zaheer. He began his journey in Mumbai, living in a small hospital room belonging to his father's aunt. This was his temporary abode after tiring cricket practice sessions.
Under the guidance of the renowned coach Sudhir Naik, Zaheer Khan sharpened his raw pace. Times were tough, and he relied on a textile mill job with a Rs. 5000 paycheck to fund his cricket dreams. As his game developed, so did his reputation. This led him to the Ranji circuit and, eventually, the national team.
Zaheer Khan’s debut in the 2000 ICC Knockout Cup was unforgettable, as he made an emphatic statement by bowling out Steve Waugh. His inclusion brought new vigour to the Indian pace lineup. The 2003 World Cup saw India's pace attack reach new heights when Zaheer Kahn partnered up with Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath. But with highs came lows, and soon Zaheer faced challenges in the form of injuries and an inconsistent state. It was evident he needed to reignite his career.
Zaheer Khan cut down on pace upon his comeback, but his accuracy was something to marvel at, especially against left-handers. He made it a habit of dismissing left-handed openers, particularly Graeme Smith, who continued to face difficulty against him until he retired.
One highlight of Zaheer's second stint was his performance in Nottingham, which followed the infamous 'jelly beans' incident. He led India to a famous Test series victory in England, turning the match on its head. The expert handling of reverse swing by Zaheer and the effective seam movement from Ishant Sharma left the Australian side struggling when they toured India in late 2008. Slowly but surely, Zaheer matured into the leader of the young pace attack. He mentored the likes of Ishant Sharma, RP Singh, and Sreesanth.
In the 2011 World Cup, Zaheer's experience was leveraged as he became the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 21 wickets. His capability to provide crucial breakthroughs for India with the new ball was noteworthy.
His ability to return during the batting powerplay to snatch wickets with his reverse swing and the newly-developed, well-disguised knuckle ball was even more impressive. This tournament marked his last successful series for India. Zaheer struggled with injuries in the following seasons and gradually lost his place in the side.
Zaheer Khan's IPL career added another dimension to his cricketing journey. Starting with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008, he moved to Mumbai Indians for two seasons before rejoining the Bangalore franchise in 2011. In the 2014 IPL auction, he returned to Mumbai Indians, where he had played in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
The highlight of Zaheer Khan's IPL stint came when the Delhi Daredevils signed him for the 2015 season. He continues to mentor the team, sharing his immense knowledge and experience with the younger generation.
In the latter part of his career, despite rigorous training regimens in France and impressive domestic performances, Zaheer's international outings remained sporadic. In 2016, recognizing the need to pave the way for younger talents, he gracefully announced his retirement.
Zaheer Khan's adaptability with different balls and his vast array of deliveries made him a force to reckon with. His perfect amalgamation of physical prowess and sharp cricketing intellect ranks him among his era's most versatile fast bowlers. This legacy makes him a standout in Indian cricketing history.
FAQs
What is the total number of tests Zaheer Khan has played?
Zaheer Khan has played 92 test matches and taken 311 wickets with an economy of 3.27.
What is the top speed at which Zaheer Khan has delivered a bowl?
Zaheer Khan has bowled at 147 KMPH(91 MPH) v Holland in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
What is the name of Zaheer Khan’s Wife?
The name of Zaheer Khan's wife is Sagarika Ghatge. She has worked in multiple Indian movies.
