India’s Former Pacer Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, the former Indian fast-bowler and one of the team’s leading and senior members of the 2011 World Cup win is the second-highest wicket-taker behind Kapil Dev among erstwhile Indian fast bowlers.
He led India’s fast-bowling attack in exceptional style. By taking 21 wickets from nine games, he was the highest wicket-taker in ICC World Cup 2011.
Zaheer Khan Honored With Padma Shri
To honor his contributions towards India cricket, Zaheer Khan was awarded the country’s fourth-highest civilian honor, Padma Shri, on Saturday.
Padma Shri is awarded for a citizen’s successful contribution towards the country in various fields of activity which includes education, medicine, literature, arts, and sports, among others.
After being awarded the Padma Shri, Zaheer said that he was humbled and overwhelmed at being honored with such a prestigious award. He was very grateful for having lived his dream of playing for Team India. For him, it was a matter of pride to wear the national jersey.
Zaheer Khan’s Career
Zaheer made his debut for India in 2000 and retired from international cricket in 2015. For the most part of his 13-year career, he was an important part of the Indian team in the Test and one-day formats.
He played 200 ODIs, 92 Tests, and 17 T20Is. Khan took 311 wickets in the longest format which placed him at the 5th position among the Indian bowlers with the most number of wickets. He took 610 international wickets in all three formats.
He is next to Anil Kumble, Javgal Srinath, and Ajit Agarkar, with 269 wickets in ODIs.
Retirement From Cricket
He continued to play in IPL as captain-cum-mentor for Delhi Daredevils. He retired from the T20 league after ending his 3-years contract with the franchise.
Presently, he is the Director of Cricket Operations in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians.
