Name Hindi: जहीर खान / Gender Man
About Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan is a renowned name in the world of cricket, hailed as one of the best seam and swing bowlers to ever represent the Indian national team.
Early Life and Background
Born on 7th October 1978 in Shrirampur, Maharashtra, India, Zaheer was drawn towards cricket at an early age. His original dream was to become an engineer. However, his passion drove him away from classrooms and onto the pitch.
Career Overview
- In 1996, he joined Baroda’s premier cricket institute — Cricket Club of India managing to impress selectors with his remarkable bowling skills.
- Zaheer made his international debut for India against Kenya during the ICC KnockOut Trophy in October 2000.
- The pinnacle of his career came in July 2011 when he played a crucial role in helping India win their second World Cup championship.
- Throughout Zaheer’s illustrious 14-year international career, he bagged over 300 wickets in both Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Distinguishing Skills and Techniques
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Skillful control: Zaheer had an excellent command over line-length which helped him trap batsmen easily.
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Reversing Old Ball: He developed this skill under guidance from Pakistan’s legendary bowler Wasim Akram.Turning old ball sharply into right-handers proved to be a lethal strategy for Zaheer throughout his career.
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Killer Instinct: His aggressive nature made him even more formidable. He never shied away from giving a stern piece of his mind to batsmen and backed it up with fiery bowling.
Awards and Accolades
Zaheer’s relentless commitment to cricket has earned him several awards, including the prestigious Arjuna Award (2007) for Cricket by the Government of India. Incorporated into the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008, Zaheer was fundamentally recognized as one of the critical figures during India’s triumph in ICC World Cup 2011.
Retirement
Zaheer Khan announced his retirement from international cricket on October 15th, 2015. Even after retiring from International cricket, he continues to inspire numerous young cricketers across the globe.
