Zaheer Khan turns 48: India’s pace legend and 2011 hero
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan turned 48 on October 8, 2026. Born in Shrirampur, Maharashtra in 1978, Zaheer became one of India's finest pace bowlers across a career spanning 2000 to 2014.
Zaheer played 92 Tests and took 311 wickets, making him the second-most successful Indian pace bowler in Test cricket after Kapil Dev. He also took 282 wickets in 200 ODIs and 17 in 17 T20Is.
He was the spearhead of India's 2011 World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament's joint-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets. Known for swinging the new ball and mastering reverse swing with the old one, he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008.
His honours include the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. He also held the record for the highest Test score by a number 11 batsman with 75 against Bangladesh in 2004.
After retirement, Zaheer has moved into coaching and mentoring roles. He has been named Chennai Super Kings' head coach for IPL 2027.
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