Categories: Cricket

11 Facts That Proves Zaheer Khan Was The Best Bowler Of His Time

Born October 7, 1978, Zaheer Khan was the leader of India’s bowling strike for the most part of the early 21st Century. On 15 October 2015 he took retirement from International Cricket with an immediate effect and it brought the curtains down on a great career.

For the Indian cricket in the modern era, his performance has always been an example of par excellence. Zaheer is India’s most successful left-arm seamer and the third most successful in the World. In Test Matches, Zaheer is the most successful fast bowler of India after the legendary Kapil Dev. He played a vital role in scripting a famous win of ICC Cricket 2011 World Cup for India.

Two great World Cups he played over his career, 2003 and 2011 and he successfully claimed 44 wickets in those tournaments. Zaheer Khan has achieved some impressive numbers through his career that placed him as India’s fourth highest wicket-taker.

On his 38th birthday, we brought you some interesting and unknown facts about Zaheer Khan and his career.

Have A Look At His Journey:

1. Honoured with the Arjuna Award.

Zaheer Khan has been honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2011.

2. Wisden Cricketer of the year 2008.

Zaheer Khan was the Wisden cricketer of the year in 2008, along with Ryan Sidebottom, Ian Bell, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ottis Gibson.

3. Made his First-Class debut (1999-2000).

Zaheer Khan made his first-class debut in the year 1999-2000 when it was a domestic season for Baroda, but he was not able to make it to the Mumbai squad. In the season of his debut, He was one of the three best quick bowlers, and best left-arm seamer, behind Sadagoppan Mahesh and Ashish Zaidi. Playing eight matches, Zaheer got 35 wickets at an average of 29.25 runs per wicket, with the best of taking 5 wickets by just giving 43 runs in an inning.

4. Took 610 International wickets.

He has taken 610 wickets in international matches.

5. Dismissed Graeme Smith 14 times.

He had dismissed the South African Skipper Graeme Smith, In International cricket 14 times, this is the maximum no. he had dismissed any player(batsman).

6. Most successful Indian pacer.

Zaheer Khan is said to be the most successful Indian pacer in recent times and second most successful Indian pacer of all time after Kapil Dev.

7. Man of the series against England.

India’s first victory in England since 1986 took place in 2007, India won this series by 1-0. Zaheer Khan was the man of the series as he took 18 wickets in the series.

8. Got selected in Under-19 team.

He got selected in the Under-19 team of Mumbai and the West Zone in the year 1998-99, after he took 7 wickets against Shivaji Park Gymkhana.

9. Played for different IPL teams (RCB, MI, DD).

Zaheer Khan had been picked up by three different teams in the IPL; Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Delhi Daredevils (DD).