An open letter to Zaheer Khan — one of India’s best bowlers and an inspiration

To Zaheer, not because I am a big fan of yours, it’s because of your enormous contribution. Congratulations Zaheer Khan.

To Zaheer, not because I am a big fan of yours, it’s because of your enormous contribution. Congratulations Zaheer Khan. 

Dear Zak,

First of all, let me salute you for your massive contribution to Indian cricket and being an inspiration for many cricketers around the world. I am writing this letter not because I am a big fan of yours; in fact it’s all because I could not stop being emotional when the news of your retirement came this morning.

Since February 2014, the last time when you were seen in whites representing India, I have been waiting to see you play again for the nation. Yes, there were some joyous moments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but watching you celebrating wickets for India, is one of the best things I have ever felt.

Inarguably, you are the best left-arm fast bowler to emerge from his country and for me; you are a bowler of class with a humble attitude who has never hesitated spreading his knowledge to peers or youngsters. Probably, that’s why you should be the bowling coach of Team India. Virat Kohli mentioned in his tweet today, “You have inspired many like me.” Cannot be put in words better. You have not only been a pillar of Indian cricket for over a decade but also have inspired a generation of cricketers. Six reasons why Zaheer Khan should be India’s bowling coach

It was not only your bowling which helped the team in getting victory but also your role in guiding the other bowlers have been immense. As a teenager, I have often tried to copy your action while bowling, though I bowled right-arm, it proved to be quite useful. In fact, I learned the art of bowling yorkers by watching you bowl. Zaheer Khan: 25 facts about India’s best ever left-arm seamer

What I enjoyed most was your death bowling. To me, you were the best death bowler in the 21st century. You knew how to mix good length deliveries and yorkers in slog overs. Zaheer Khan: Life and times

Thank you for all the memories and all the memorable wins away from home. Congratulations Zak, your contribution to the game stands unparalleled in Indian cricket. Twitter reactions: Zaheer Khan retires from international cricket

Yours sincerely,

A dreamer who dreamed of becoming a bowler like you but ended up being a journalist

(Abhishek Kumar is a cricket devotee currently staffing with Criclife.com. He can be followed at abhicricket.kumar and abhishekkr2593)

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