The coolest pace bowler who could outthink any batsman: Tributes pour in for Zaheer Khan

Left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday due to a shoulder injury that proved to be the latest setback in his efforts to return to action.

The 37-year-old ended his 14-year long international career due to a series of injuries, the latest being a shoulder complaint. He made his India debut in 2000 and played his last game for the country in 2014 against New Zealand at Wellington.

He is leaving the stage after playing in 92 Tests and 200 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), picking up 282 and 311 wickets, respectively. He also claimed 17 wickets in as many T20 internationals.

The Shrirampur-born quick is India’s fourth highest wicket-taker in Tests after spin legend Anil Kumble (619), pace king Kapil Dev (434) and veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh (417). He picked 282 wickets in 200 ODIs he played, besides 17 scalps from as many Twenty20s and was the joint highest wicket-taker in the 2011 World Cup along with Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 18.76.

He will however call time on his domestic career after the conclusion on the 2016 Indian Premier league (IPL 9). Zaheer played for Delhi Daredevils in the 2015 IPL and for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

Tributes have been pouring in for Zaheer from cricketers, past and present.

This is what Indian cricketers, of this generation and the past, had to say about Zak.

Well done ZAK on a fantastic career.without U it wd hve been very difficult to achieve what the ICT did.most clever fast bowler I know

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 15, 2015

Life has just started now,U still can and definitely will contribute a lot to Indian Cricket.wish U all the success

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 15, 2015

To a great fast bowler & an even greater person, I wish you luck in all future endeavours @ImZaheer bhai. You have inspired many like me.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 15, 2015

Well done Zak bhai @ImZaheer on your fantastic career. You are a true role model for all the fast bowlers in the world.

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) October 15, 2015

What a bowler mr khan and supper dildar yar. God bless you my brother. Love you zakiiiiiiiii @ImZaheer @BCCI https://t.co/DIjlt1rHHo

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 15, 2015

My go-to man. Perfect gentleman. Big Brother. And a legend in his own right. Good luck for your new innings @ImZaheer Wonderful to know u

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) October 15, 2015

Congratulations ZAK pa on an outstanding career. It was an absolute pleasure to have played with you and known you! @ImZaheer 'u r the best'

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) October 15, 2015

Enjoyed every spell u've bowled whether it's from slips or on TV!Great competitor,super human & most importantly a great friend. Count...

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 15, 2015

Congratulations 4 great career Khan Saab @ImZaheer I'm sure there is lot in u 2 give back 2 Indian cricket in the future. #legend

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 15, 2015

Congratulations! On a fantastic career @ImZaheer. You brought laurels to the nation with immense contribution #ZAKRetires #ZaksNewBeginning

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) October 15, 2015

Wonderful to have played with you Zak @ImZaheer great bowler great skill! Best wishes for the future.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 15, 2015

And saving the best for the last.

One of the coolest pace bowlers I know. He was a bowler who could 'out think' the batsman most of the times. Always up for a challenge (1/2)

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2015

I am sure he will do well as he begins a new chapter in his life. Wishing @ImZaheer all success in his retired life (2/2)

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 15, 2015

Perhaps more meaningful is Zaheer’s competitors from other countries appreciating his talent.

Zak ur a king Bud! Loved playing with and against u! Congrats on a marvelous career, always a favorite of mine! https://t.co/8IbKguR718

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) October 15, 2015

Congratulations @ImZaheer on your fantastic career. Gr8 2have played with u & against u.All the best with your future bro #GreatCompetitor

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) October 15, 2015

Well done buddy. Was a privilege to play against you. @ImZaheer all the best with your future endeavours https://t.co/tuX8YnMGBT

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 15, 2015