Published: Oct 18, 2015, 05:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 18, 2015, 05:01 PM (IST)
Indian fast-bowler Zaheer Khan, who recently quit international cricket after serving the Indian cricket for around 15 years, has been one of the country’s best. His decision to quit international cricket with immediate effect and all forms of cricket post Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 did surprise a few, but on the whole it wasn’t an unexpected move. As soon as he tweeted the emotional two-page letter from his official twitter handle announcing the retirement, there was an outpour of congratulatory tweets. [Twitter reactions: Zaheer Khan retires from international cricket]
Members of cricket fraternity, not just from India but from across the globe, started sending their wishes for his future. His India team-mates Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehgwag, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina et al sent their wishes through their official accounts. One tweet, however, that stood out, was of former South African captain Graeme Smith, who was considered to be Zaheer’s bunny. The burly left-hander from South Africa was dismissed 14 times by Zaheer during their international meetings. [Amul’s new topical pays tribute to Zaheer Khan’s career]
Congrats on a fantastic career @ImZaheer enjoyed our battles,even if you won most of them:)all the best for your future.you made India proud
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) October 15, 2015
This made his tweet all the more special. In sports, when a competitor praises his adversary, it makes for a good sight. So when Smith termed Zaheer as one of India’s greats and the most difficult Indian bowler he faced, it highlighted their interesting duels on-field, where Zaheer emerged victorious on most occasions. He initially tweeted congratulating Zaheer and later the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also tweeted a short video featuring Smith’s praise for the bowler. Check the video here:
This is gold. @GraemeSmith49 pays tribute to @ImZaheer. “The best Indian fast bowler I’ve played against. ” https://t.co/u0vyFUrTFX
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 18, 2015
Smith is presently in India for his role as the TV presenter for the India-South Africa series. Criclife wishes Zaheer a happy retirement and hopes that the two stalwarts continue to contribute to the game even after retiring from the game. [An open letter to Zaheer Khan — one of India’s best bowlers and an inspiration]
