Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan was honored with prestigious Padma Shri – the fourth-highest civilian honor – by the Indian government on Sunday (January 26).
Zaheer was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for India. The southpaw scalped 311 wickets in the longest format of the game – second-most for an Indian sea🎃mer after Kapil Dev.
In ODIs, Zaheer is the fourth Indian bowler to take maximum wickets (282) after Anil Kumble (334), Javagal Srinath (315), and Ajit Agarkar (288). The left-arm bowler🍷 bid farewell to international cricket in 2015.
Indian government 🐻conferred the speedster with the decorated award for his 13-year service to Indian cricket.
“Humbled and overwhelmed to become the recipient of one of the country’s highest civilian awards. I am grateful that I played for my country and represented this great nation. Wearing an Indian jersey was a matter of pride and privilege. Thank you, everyone. Best wishes as we celebrate 71st Republic Day,” wrote Zaheer, while reacting to this extraordinary moment of his life.
🙏
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer)
Personalities belongin▨g to various fields wished Zaheer Khan for his special achievement.
CONGRATULATIONS ZAK .
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty)
“Each victory will forever be etched in my memory and contributing to it are special moments for me that continue to motivate me to now give back.” – Padma Shri 🏅🇮🇳
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan)
Congratulations Mr khan 😊👏👏🇮🇳✊
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3)
Wow! Well deserved.. many congratulations Zak the warrior 🧜!!
— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising)
Yay Zak….!!!! 👊🏽👍🏽 👏🏽
— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar)
Yeeey!! ZAK!
— Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait)
