05 May,2011 06:56 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Zaheer Khan is the man of the hour. It is learnt that wedding bells are ringing for the leading wicket-taker in India's triumphant World Cup campaign.
Just when life couldn't have gotten any rosier for the left-arm pacer, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has nominated him for the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Zaheer Khan
Stephen Fleming, former New Zealand skipper and Chennai Super Kings coach, said that Zaheer deserved the prestigious honour.
"I am not sure how important this award is to him, but anyone who has followed Indian cricket for long enough wouldn't hesitate to honour him," he said.
"Zaheer is a world-class fast bowler, a genuine match-winner. I am lucky I don't have to face him anymore.
u00a0
When I was playing for New Zealand, Zaheer had hit his peak. Today, he has hit his zenith."
A few aspiring Indian fast bowlers, too, paid tribute to Zaheer.
Ishant Sharma:
I have learnt more about fast bowling from Zaheer than anyone else in recent times.
When I got the five-wicket haul against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, I thanked Zaheer because he told me to keep working on my fitness.
It took me a while to realise that fitness is directly related to a better performance. Working with Zaheer (in the Test team) has been really helpful.
Sudeep Tyagi:
Obviously, every young fast bowler in the country is aspiring to be like Zaheer Khan.
In fact, when I started out, I used to try and bowl extremely fast. However, recently, I have realised that it's all about conserving energy and bowling to a plan.
There's so much one can learn from Zaheer.
Hopefully, I'll get to share the dressing room with him soon.
Joginder Sharma:
The reason my respect for Zaheer has gone up by a few notches is give his fine ability to bowl with both the old as well as the new ball, and with great results.
He can return at any point in a game and turn it around. He has got so many different skills. Also, I enjoy watching fast bowlers who rely more on seam and skill, rather than pace.
Take a bow, Zak!
