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Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan is one of India’s greatest fast bowlers, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, his mastery of reverse swing, and his crucial role in India’s overseas success during the 2000s and early 2010s. A left-arm pacer with sharp cricketing intelligence, Zaheer led India’s pace attack for over a decade and played a pivotal role in the country’s historic 2011 World Cup victory.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 7, 1978, in Shrirampur, Maharashtra, Zaheer Khan began his cricket journey in Pune and later trained at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. Known for his smooth bowling action and fierce pace early in his career, Zaheer rose through the domestic ranks and made his mark with a match-winning debut performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2000 against Kenya.
International Career Overview
Zaheer Khan made his ODI debut in 2000 and Test debut in 2000 against Bangladesh. Over the years, he developed into one of the most reliable and strategic fast bowlers India has ever produced. He was particularly effective in the second half of his career, where he added reverse swing and a deceptive knuckleball to his arsenal.
He was India’s highest wicket-taker in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, playing a key role in the title run with early breakthroughs and control in the death overs.
Zaheer Khan – Career Stats
Format Matches Wickets Best Bowling Bowling Average 5-Wicket Hauls
Test 92 311 7/87 32.94 11
ODI 200 282 5/42 29.43 1
T20I 17 17 4/19 26.35 0
*Stats updated till his retirement in 2015.
Key Performances and Achievements
India’s leading wicket-taker in 2011 World Cup (21 wickets)
Instrumental in India’s 2007 Test series win in England
Played a major role in India reaching the 2003 and 2011 World Cup finals
One of only three Indian pacers with over 300 Test wickets
Excelled in conditions overseas, especially in England, South Africa, and New Zealand
Zaheer’s ability to outthink batters and adapt his game made him a bowling leader, often guiding younger bowlers on and off the field.
IPL Career
Zaheer Khan had a significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing teams like:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) – where he also served as captain and mentor
He was admired for his leadership qualities and strategic use of bowlers in T20 matches.
Playing Style and Strengths
Left-arm fast-medium bowler with classic outswingers and lethal reverse swing
Exceptional control over line and length, especially with the old ball
Tactical bowler who adjusted to formats and conditions
Effective with both new-ball partnerships and at the death
Zaheer’s spells in seaming conditions and his mastery of reverse swing made him one of India’s most complete pacers.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Post-retirement, Zaheer Khan has taken up several roles in Indian cricket, including:
Director of Cricket Operations at Mumbai Indians
Cricket expert and commentator
Founder of ProSport Fitness, a center focused on athlete recovery and injury management
He continues to mentor young Indian pacers and is a respected voice in the cricketing community.
Latest News on Zaheer Khan
Stay connected with the latest updates on Zaheer Khan’s expert opinions, mentorship roles in the IPL, commentary highlights, and contributions to Indian cricket development. Follow all his post-retirement activities right here on thelivecricketscore.
Why Follow Zaheer Khan on TheLiveCricketScore
In-depth coverage of his match-winning spells
Features on his impact in World Cups and Tests abroad
Insights from his post-retirement commentary and mentorship
Fitness and training tips from ProSport and Zaheer’s own career
Highlights from his IPL leadership and legacy
Zaheer Khan is one of India’s greatest fast bowlers, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, his mastery of reverse swing, and his crucial role in India’s overseas success during the 2000s and early 2010s. A left-arm pacer with sharp cricketing intelligence, Zaheer led India’s pace attack for over a decade and played a pivotal role in the country’s historic 2011 World Cup victory.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 7, 1978, in Shrirampur, Maharashtra, Zaheer Khan began his cricket journey in Pune and later trained at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. Known for his smooth bowling action and fierce pace early in his career, Zaheer rose through the domestic ranks and made his mark with a match-winning debut performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2000 against Kenya.
International Career Overview
Zaheer Khan made his ODI debut in 2000 and Test debut in 2000 against Bangladesh. Over the years, he developed into one of the most reliable and strategic fast bowlers India has ever produced. He was particularly effective in the second half of his career, where he added reverse swing and a deceptive knuckleball to his arsenal.
He was India’s highest wicket-taker in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, playing a key role in the title run with early breakthroughs and control in the death overs.
Zaheer Khan – Career Stats
Format Matches Wickets Best Bowling Bowling Average 5-Wicket Hauls
Test 92 311 7/87 32.94 11
ODI 200 282 5/42 29.43 1
T20I 17 17 4/19 26.35 0
*Stats updated till his retirement in 2015.
Key Performances and Achievements
India’s leading wicket-taker in 2011 World Cup (21 wickets)
Instrumental in India’s 2007 Test series win in England
Played a major role in India reaching the 2003 and 2011 World Cup finals
One of only three Indian pacers with over 300 Test wickets
Excelled in conditions overseas, especially in England, South Africa, and New Zealand
Zaheer’s ability to outthink batters and adapt his game made him a bowling leader, often guiding younger bowlers on and off the field.
IPL Career
Zaheer Khan had a significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing teams like:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) – where he also served as captain and mentor
He was admired for his leadership qualities and strategic use of bowlers in T20 matches.
Playing Style and Strengths
Left-arm fast-medium bowler with classic outswingers and lethal reverse swing
Exceptional control over line and length, especially with the old ball
Tactical bowler who adjusted to formats and conditions
Effective with both new-ball partnerships and at the death
Zaheer’s spells in seaming conditions and his mastery of reverse swing made him one of India’s most complete pacers.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Post-retirement, Zaheer Khan has taken up several roles in Indian cricket, including:
Director of Cricket Operations at Mumbai Indians
Cricket expert and commentator
Founder of ProSport Fitness, a center focused on athlete recovery and injury management
He continues to mentor young Indian pacers and is a respected voice in the cricketing community.
Latest News on Zaheer Khan
Stay connected with the latest updates on Zaheer Khan’s expert opinions, mentorship roles in the IPL, commentary highlights, and contributions to Indian cricket development. Follow all his post-retirement activities right here on thelivecricketscore.
Why Follow Zaheer Khan on TheLiveCricketScore
In-depth coverage of his match-winning spells
Features on his impact in World Cups and Tests abroad
Insights from his post-retirement commentary and mentorship
Fitness and training tips from ProSport and Zaheer’s own career
Highlights from his IPL leadership and legacy