Cricket Player Profile - Zaheer Khan
- Full Name: Zaheer Khan
- Birth Date: 08 Oct, 1978
- Age: 42 years 164 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Left-arm fast-medium
- Teams: India
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 92 | 127 | 24 | 1231 | 75 | 2381 | 51.70 | 0 | 3 | 141 | 28 | 19 | 0 |
| ODIs | 200 | 101 | 35 | 792 | 34* | 1078 | 73.46 | 0 | 0 | 69 | 24 | 43 | 0 |
| T20Is | 17 | 4 | 2 | 13 | 9 | 10 | 130.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| First-class | 169 | 223 | 40 | 2489 | 75 | 0 | 5 | 46 | 0 | ||||
| List A | 253 | 129 | 43 | 1047 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 57 | 0 | ||||
| T20s | 138 | 49 | 27 | 191 | 26 | 221 | 86.42 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 30 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 92 | 165 | 18785 | 10247 | 311 | 7/87 | 10/149 | 32.94 | 3.27 | 60.4 | 15 | 11 | 1 |
| ODIs | 200 | 197 | 10097 | 8301 | 282 | 5/42 | 5/42 | 29.43 | 4.93 | 35.8 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| T20Is | 17 | 17 | 352 | 448 | 17 | 4/19 | 4/19 | 26.35 | 7.63 | 20.7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 169 | 34279 | 18799 | 672 | 9/138 | 27.97 | 3.29 | 51.0 | 35 | 8 | |||
| List A | 253 | 12745 | 10404 | 357 | 5/42 | 5/42 | 29.14 | 4.89 | 35.7 | 10 | 1 | 0 | |
| T20s | 138 | 137 | 3044 | 3802 | 139 | 4/17 | 4/17 | 27.35 | 7.49 | 21.8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Zaheer Khan: A Cricketing Journey
Zaheer Khan, an iconic figure in Indian cricket, was born on October 8, 1978, in Shrirampur, Maharashtra. Known for his remarkable skills as a left-arm fast-medium bowler, Zaheer carved a niche for himself in the competitive world of cricket. His journey from a small town to becoming one of India's leading bowlers is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for the sport.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in a family that valued education, Zaheer was initially encouraged to pursue academics. However, his love for cricket was undeniable. Seeking opportunities, he moved to Mumbai, where he honed his skills at the famed Azad Maidan. There, he participated in various local tournaments, impressing everyone with his ability to swing the ball both ways. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon received an invitation to join the prestigious MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where he trained under the legendary fast bowler, Dennis Lillee.
International Debut
Zaheer made his international debut on April 24, 2000, in an ODI against Bangladesh. Although he didn't have a remarkable start, his maiden performance laid the groundwork for what would become a formidable career. He made his Test debut shortly after, on November 15, 2000, against South Africa. However, it was a tough learning curve as the initial years saw him struggling for consistency and remaining injury-prone.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Zaheer's career took a significant turn around 2004 when he started to find his rhythm. His focus on fitness and technique paid off, leading to consistent performances in both ODIs and Test matches. One of the turning points in his career was the 2005 series against Sri Lanka, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker, showcasing his ability to swing the ball and pick up crucial wickets.
In 2006, he became the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against all Test-playing nations, marking his name among the greats. Zaheer showcased exceptional skills in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, playing a pivotal role in India's victorious campaign, where he emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker.
Records and Career Statistics
Zaheer Khan concluded his international career with impressive statistics that speak volumes of his contributions to the game:
- Test Matches: 92 matches, 311 wickets at an average of 32.94, with 11 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): 194 matches, 273 wickets at an average of 29.44, with 4 five-wicket hauls.
- T20 Internationals (T20Is): 17 matches, 17 wickets at an average of 29.00.
Throughout his career, Zaheer was known for his exceptional control, ability to reverse swing the ball, and tactical acumen, which often turned the course of matches in favor of India. His capability to perform in crucial situations earned him accolades from peers and pundits alike.
Impact on the Game
Zaheer Khan's impact on the game extends beyond mere statistics. He was instrumental in establishing the trend of left-arm fast bowlers in Indian cricket, inspiring the next generation, including bowlers like Jaydev Unadkat and Khaleel Ahmed. His disciplined approach and work ethic highlighted the importance of fitness and preparation in contemporary cricket.
Post his retirement in 2015, Zaheer transitioned into coaching and mentorship, taking up the role of bowling consultant for various teams. He is regarded as a key figure in the development of young talent and continues to influence aspiring cricketers, exemplifying dedication and professionalism.
Conclusion
Zaheer Khan remains a celebrated name in Indian cricket, revered not only for his impressive statistics but also for his enduring contribution to the sport. His journey from a budding cricketer in Shrirampur to becoming a world-class bowler and mentor encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and passion that defines cricket. His legacy continues to inspire many, securing his place among the legends of the game.
This content was generated with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI), and it is not reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.
