Why I love Zaheer Khan, what he means to me
It was just a normal day. I had a busy schedule a day before so couldn’t catch much of the TV and twitter. I was sitting in the cafeteria and suddenly someone came with the worst news of that day. Zaheer Khan, a name featured in my list of Legends, was all set to bid adieu to International cricket. One of the finest Left-arm fast bowler, Zak, was in the Indian team since I have known this game. A lot of memories were paired with this name and his retirement just cast the curtains over a part of my childhood. I was aware with the fact of his diminishing days but still had a hope to see him playing his 100th Test match or at least a swansong game in Blue colour.
Cricket made an entry in my life during World Cup 2003. First time ever I saw such a huge respect for this game and craziness of the fans for their favourites. As usual watching only 4s and 6s were the best part of the game for a naive child. I usually skipped bowling and waited for Indian batsmen to come out with firing cylinders. Then Zaheer Khan happened. A young face with full of energy and such an attracting action suddenly forced me to sit and watch some toe crushing bowling.
Zak was always simple with action and easy to copy. He was a kind of bowler whose celebrations can give you goosebumps. Every time when Indian batting frustrated us, Zaheer tried to cover it up with his fiery spells. He led this Indian bowling attack for over ten years. This consistency was the result of his dedication and hard work. There are few in subcontinent who have achieved a lot as a fast bowler. I missed Wasim in his best days, but I had Zak to realize the same.
From records to memory vaults, Zaheer is all over there. He stepped up for India at big stages. He played three world cup for India and was leading wicket-taker for us in all of them. He is featured in the list of ‘most wickets in World Cup’ among the likes of Mcgrath, Muralitharan and Vaas. He is the bowler who can take the game towards his team at any moment. His ability to hit the block holes and perfect yorkers in slog overs is still a far-fetched dream for any Indian Fast bowler of this era.
His habit to hit the left-handers in front of the wicket is the best one apart from his yorkers taking the stumps off the ground. He was the scriptwriter of India’s famous victory in the test series against England. Having the ability to take the ball away from Left-handers and inswinging against Right-handers, Zaheer was the best fit in every condition. Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara and some of the best have expressed their inability to tackle an in-form Zaheer Khan.
Zaheer fancied his chances with batting as well. Surely his 75 against Bangladesh was a perfect example of this but there are many instances where he played a role of proper finisher. He has hit 6s to some of the best bowlers in the world cricket. Brett Lee is one of them. Henery Olonga will remember his four sixes in the last over at Jaipur. Geoffery Boycott on the Air announced,”Zaheer Khan is making his name today at Jaipur”. Two sixes at deep midwicket, two at long-on and suddenly Zaheer brought the crowd back to life.
An Indian fan won’t need any evidence to cite why Zaheer is best of all time. However, Zaheer’s teammates didn’t forget to pay tribute to a sensational career. Sourav Ganguly always looked at him when he needed a wicket. Rahul Dravid attributed Zak for England Test series win and also mentioned how he led the attack with great responsibility. MS Dhoni compared him with Sachin Tendulkar and said that he has achieved everything in bowling that Sachin did with the bat.
Over 300 matches, 600 wickets, lots of big trophies and honours in the cabinet, Zaheer has achieved everything in Cricket. Above all, he is a celebrated cricketer and a common name in the common Indian household. His stellar career is an example to follow. He was the part of my dream Indian team in 2000s and he has shared the dressing room with legends. I wish another great career for him after cricket. His contribution to Indian cricket will be mentioned forever.
Thank You Zaheer Khan. Thanks for making my Childhood awesome.