Zaheer Khan a 'Thinking Bowler', Say Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Sachin Tendulkar, who saw the blossoming of Zaheer Khan as a matured seamer who carried the weight of India's bowling attack for over a decade, said the left-arm quickie was a thinking bowler, who had the power to "out-think" batsmen. (Lifting The World Cup Was Greatest Moment: Zaheer)

Zaheer Khan, who played domestic matches for Baroda and Mumbai, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. He will continue to play the Indian Premier League till 2016.

After making his debut in 2000, 37-year-old Zaheer played his last international match for India in Wellington last year. He had lost a lot of pace but remained incisive with his ability to move and cut the ball. Tendulkar took to Twitter to laud the bowler's ability to outfox the best of batsmen.

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

India's ODI and T20 skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni also complimented Zaheer, 'the thinker'. Dhoni also saw life in Indian cricket for the famous Zaheer, who galvanised the Indian attack in the post-Javagal Srinath days.

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

India have struggled to find a quality left-arm pacer after Zaheer Khan. Effectively, India's current pace attack has become predictable with Bhuvneshwar Kumar capable of moving the ball both ways and Umesh Yadav's pace being his biggest strength. Zaheer had a mix of both in his heydays.

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

The cricket Board was quick to acknowledge Zaheer's contribution to Indian cricket.

BCCI president Shashank Manohar said: "Zaheer served Indian cricket with remarkable passion and commitment. Being a fast bowler in the Indian sub-continent is challenging but he led the bowling attack with distinction."

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said, "Zaheer will go down as one of the finest fast bowler in the history of Indian cricket. He has been the best exponent of reverse swing in the country. He has been an outstanding role model on and off the field."

Zaheer Khan played 200 ODIs and 92 Test matches in which he picked 282 and 311 wickets, respectively. The highlight of Zaheer's ODI career was the 2011 World Cup. He inspired Team India to the title of world champions at home with 21 wickets at 18.76.

Zaheer was the joint highest wicket-taker of the tournament with Shahid Afridi. On his final outing for India, the second Test against New Zealand in February 2014, Zaheer claimed 5 for 170 -- his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests.

But Zaheer's constant struggle against fitness left him in the cold as several attempts to return to top gear hit roadblocks.