Key Points

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh sent warm birthday wishes to Zaheer Khan on his 47th birthday. He praised Zaheer's incredible bowling skills and calm temperament that inspired generations of players. Zaheer featured in 309 international matches for India between 2000-2014, taking 597 wickets across formats. The left-arm pacer was instrumental in India's 2011 World Cup triumph, finishing as joint-highest wicket-taker.

Key Points: Harbhajan Singh Wishes Zaheer Khan Happy 47th Birthday

  • Zaheer Khan played 309 international matches for India from 2000-2014
  • He is India's sixth-highest Test wicket-taker with 311 scalps
  • The left-armer was joint-highest wicket-taker in 2011 World Cup victory
  • He captured 597 international wickets across all formats for India
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Your incredible skill, sharp cricket mind...: Harbhajan wishes ex-left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan on 47th birthday

Harbhajan Singh celebrates Zaheer Khan's 47th birthday, praising his incredible skill and calm temperament that inspired generations of cricket players.

"Your incredible skill, sharp cricketing mind, and calm temperament on and off the field have inspired generations of players - Harbhajan Singh"

New Delhi, October 7

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh extended birthday wishes to compatriot and ex left-armer pacer Zaheer Khan on his 47th birthday, saying that his "incredible skill, sharp cricketing mind and calm temperament on and off the field have inspired a generation of players".

Zaheer, who featured in 309 international matches for India and Asian XI from 2000-14, is celebrating his 47th birthday on Wednesday.

Taking to his X handle, Harbhajan wrote, "Wishing a very happy birthday to one of India's finest fast bowlers, @ImZaheer. Your incredible skill, sharp cricketing mind, and calm temperament on and off the field have inspired generations of players. May this year bring you good health, happiness, and continued success in every endeavour. Have a wonderful day celebrating with your loved ones."

https://x.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1975418214306939216

In 92 Tests, Zaheer took 311 wickets for India at an average of 32.94, with best figures of 7/87, 11 five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket haul. He is India's sixth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Coming to the ODIs, the left-armer wore the Blue colours for 194 matches and took 269 wickets at an average of 30.11, with best figures of 5/42, with seven four-wicket hauls and a fifer. He is India's fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs. He has also taken 13 wickets in six ODIs at an average of above 15 for the Asian XI, taking his overall tally to 282.

In 17 T20Is, Zaheer took 17 wickets at an average of 26.35, with best figures of 4/19.

In 303 international matches for India, Zaheer took 597 wickets at an average of 31.48, with best figures of 7/87, 12 five-wicket hauls, 23 four-wicket hauls and a ten-fer, making him the sixth-most successful bowler for his country.

He was part of the Indian team that won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy (jointly with Sri Lanka) and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Zaheer was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2011 WC campaign, with 21 scalps in nine matches at an average of 18.76, with best figures of 3/20.

In his Indian Premier League (IPL) career representing Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he took 102 wickets at an average of 27.27, with best figures of 4/17.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Happy birthday to the legend! His reverse swing bowling was an art form. Current Indian pacers should learn from his techniques. Wishing him many more years of health and happiness! 🎂
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David E
As someone who followed cricket globally, Zaheer Khan was one of the most intelligent fast bowlers I've seen. His ability to read batsmen and set them up was exceptional. Great to see former teammates honoring him.
A
Ananya R
Remember watching him bowl in the 2011 final? That opening spell set the tone for the entire match. True champion who delivered when it mattered most. Happy birthday Zak! 🥳
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Sarah B
While I appreciate his contributions, I sometimes felt he could have been more consistent in overseas conditions. Nevertheless, a fantastic career and wonderful to see the cricket fraternity celebrating him.
V
Vikram M
597 international wickets! What an incredible achievement. His partnership with Bhajji was legendary. Two legends wishing each other - this is why cricket is more than just a sport in India. ❤️

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