Zaheer Khan announces retirement from international cricket

He also claimed 17 wickets in T20 internationals.

Khan, who made his India debut in 2000, took 610 scalps across all three global formats and was the joint-leading wicket-taker for India when they won the 2011 World Cup.

On Thursday morning, Rajeev Shukla posted on his Twitter account that Zaheer will call time on his career and hoped he continues to play in IPL. Somewhat fittingly, Zaheer Khan found himself at the centre of a few of India’s greatest triumphs of that time – running on that over-throw at the 2002 NatWest final which has become part of Indian cricketing folklore or that furious spell against New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup. We played as a top team and being part of the journey of India as a top ODI side was very fulfilling. Zaheer, particularly, was a revelation because fast bowlers are not commonplace in India; those who excelled even less so.

He riled the Aussies and reminded Graeme Smith that he was a bunny (Zaheer dismissed the South African captain on seven occasions in Tests, and 14 overall). His presence in the Indian team was reassuring and on his day, his inch ideal Yorkers were unplayable.

The affable bowler said he would try and give back to the game although he hasn’t yet decided how. “I congratulate him on his wonderful career”.

In many ways, it was Zaheer who got India’s World Cup campaign back on track 2011 after England had nearly scripted an upset win in Bengaluru.

Indian former cricketer Zaheer Khan he is best seamers of India Cricket team, who is also a member of the Indian national cricket team.

Zaheer Khan (right) has announced his retirement from global cricket on Thursday. Zaheer, Sachin Tendulkar confirms, was livid and said as much in the dressing room during the changeover.

But he utilised his experience in guiding the juniors pacers of the team, instilling confidence and giving insight into the finer points of pace bowling. “But after talking to Srinivasan and Manohar, I feel there is a realisation that the matter is important and a decision must be taken soon, since just two months are left”, remarked the PCB chief during the news conference which he addressed after arriving home from the UAE.

India’s long search for a pace bowler with venom and swing had finally borne fruit. Plus the conditions helped swing bowling which was an added advantage.

Zaheer played 92 Tests and scored 1,230 runs with a career-best 75.

Not really. Before I took a decision on any niggles, I consulted enough guys.

He served Indian cricket with remarkable passion and commitment. That’s how it goes. You should relate to me, and not tell me to play another year.

It is pertinent to mention here, earlier, PCB admonishingly said that they would boycott BCCI, if they wouldn’t be ready to play.

“Cricket has been my only life over the past two decades and is the only thing I know well”. Cutting short my run-up gave me more control.