Career Timeline of Zaheer Khan: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Zaheer Khan, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Zaheer Khan is a former Indian professional cricketer, a left-arm fast-medium bowler renowned for his mastery of swing and reverse swing. He represented India in all formats of the game from 2000 to 2014 and is considered one of India's finest fast bowlers. He is second to Kapil Dev as the most successful Indian pace bowler in Test cricket. Khan's ability to move the ball both ways made him a formidable force, particularly with the old ball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1996: Joins National Cricket Club

In 1996, Zaheer Khan moved to Mumbai and joined the National Cricket Club.

January 1997: Performance Against Shivaji Park Gymkhana

In January 1997, Zaheer Khan's "jaw-dropping spells in the Purshottam Shield" culminated with the 7/74 performance against Shivaji Park Gymkhana.

2000: Start of International Career

In 2000, Zaheer Khan began playing all formats of the game for the Indian national team.

2000: Man of the Match in Ranji Trophy

In 2000, Zaheer Khan received the man of the match award in the final of the 2000–01 season of the Ranji Trophy against Railways. He returned figures of 8/145 for the match.

2000: Selection for National Cricket Academy and International Debut

In 2000, Zaheer Khan was selected for the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh and ODI debut against Kenya.

April 2002: West Indies Tour

From April 2002 to December 2003, Zaheer Khan took 54 wickets from 16 matches.

2002: ICC Champions Trophy Win

In 2002, Zaheer Khan was a member of the Indian team that jointly won the ICC Champions Trophy.

2003: World Cup Participation

From 2003 to 2011, Zaheer Khan has 44 World Cup wickets.

2003: 2003 World Cup

In 2003, Zaheer Khan and other seamers helped India to make it to the finals of the 2003 World Cup. Zaheer finished the tournament as fourth highest wicket-taker.

2004: Highest Test Score by Number 11

In 2004, Zaheer Khan held the world record for the highest Test score by a number 11 when he scored 75 against Bangladesh.

2005: Signs with Worcestershire County Cricket Club

In 2005, Zaheer Khan signed for Worcestershire County Cricket Club in England. On debut, he took ten wickets against Somerset.

2006: Transfers to Mumbai Cricket

At the start of the 2006–07 Indian cricket season, Zaheer Khan transferred to Mumbai.

2006: Recall to National Team

Late in 2006, Zaheer Khan was recalled to the Test and ODI team for the tour of South Africa.

2007: Selection for 2007 World Cup

In early 2007, following consistent performances, Zaheer Khan was named in the squad for the 2007 World Cup.

2008: Man of the Match in Test Against Australia

Zaheer Khan won the Man of the Match award in the first Test between India and Australia in the 2008–2009 series in India.

2009: Man of the Match in Test Against Australia

Zaheer Khan won the Man of the Match award in the first Test between India and Australia in the 2008–2009 series in India.

2011: World Cup Participation

From 2003 to 2011, Zaheer Khan has 44 World Cup wickets.

2011: Joint Highest Wicket-Taker in World Cup

In 2011, Zaheer Khan finished as the joint highest wicket-taker along with Shahid Afridi with 21 scalps during India's World Cup triumph.

2011: Introduced Knuckle Ball

In 2011, Zaheer Khan introduced the knuckle ball in international cricket during the world cup.

2011: Knuckle Ball Strategy

In 2011, Zaheer Khan spoke about his strategy of using the knuckle ball during the World Cup, which he had been preparing for a year.

2011: World Cup Win and Arjuna Award

In 2011, Zaheer Khan was a key member of the World Cup winning team, leading the pace attack with 21 wickets. He was also conferred with the Arjuna Award.