Who said what: The world reacts to Zaheer Khan's retirement

Earlier today, legendary left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan had announced his retirement from all international cricket with immediate effect. The veteran bowler who made his debut in 2000 under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly has played an instrumental role in Indian cricket’s resurgence in the 21st century.

Arriving into the scene in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy, Zaheer made an immediate impact by yorking Steve Waugh to seal a victory for his country. From then, he never looked back. Even though he had fitness concerns in 2006, he re-modelled his style of bowling by increasing the emphasis on swing. His 5-wicket haul in Trent Bridge carried India to a famous Test series win in England which had come after almost 20 years.

He continued his stellar run and was the primary reason behind India reaching the summit of the ICC Test rankings in 2009. But, his seminal moment was yet to come. In the 2011 ICC World Cup, he delivered incisive spells throughout the tournament and his consistency enabled India to bring back the cup, after 28 long years.

As Sportskeeda celebrates his spectacular career, we take a look at some of the poignant responses from famous personalities on Zaheer’s retirement.

Zaheer reminisced about his iconic career

I bid adieu to my career in international cricket. I look forward to signing off with IPL 9. #ZaksNewBeginning pic.twitter.com/FLpaokbLy1

— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) October 15, 2015

Sachin Tendulkar remembers a “thinker”

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

Anil Kumble congratulates him for his achievements

Wonderful to have played with you Zak @ImZaheer great bowler great skill! Best wishes for the future.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 15, 2015

MS Dhoni is grateful for having Zaheer lead the bowling attack for a long time

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

Virat Kohli labels Zaheer as an inspiration

To a great fast bowler & an even greater person, I wish you luck in all future endeavours @ImZaheer bhai. You have inspired many like me.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 15, 2015

VVS Laxman expresses his thoughts with elegance

Congrats @ImZaheer on an outstanding career

Was a pleasure playing with u.Will always cherish the gr8 time we had while playing for Ind☺

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 15, 2015

Dale Steyn says Zaheer is one of his personal favourite bowlers

Zak ur a king Bud! Loved playing with and against u! Congrats on a marvelous career, always a favorite of mine! https://t.co/8IbKguR718

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) October 15, 2015

Irfan Pathan has asked the media to get ready for yet another “Zak is Back” headline

Congratulations 4 great career Khan Saab @ImZaheer I'm sure there is lot in u 2 give back 2 Indian cricket in the future. #legend

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 15, 2015

Jason Gillespie offers an Aussie perspective

Congratulations @ImZaheer on a fantastic career. Great competitor, well respected. Enjoy the next phase.

— Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) October 15, 2015

Mohammad Kaif expresses his views on a former team-mate

Reverse it like Zak!Pioneer of left arm fast bowling for #teamindia, thank U @ImZaheer ,it was pleasure playing along side you! #ZaheerKhan

— Mohammad Kaif (@KaifSays) October 15, 2015

Rohit Sharma affirms Zaheer’s class

Enjoyed every spell u've bowled whether it's from slips or on TV!Great competitor,super human & most importantly a great friend. Count...

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 15, 2015

Suresh Raina salutes Zaheer for his immense impact

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

Azhar Mahmood acknowledges Zaheer’s accomplishments

Congratulations @ImZaheer on your fantastic career. Gr8 2have played with u & against u.All the best with your future bro #GreatCompetitor

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) October 15, 2015

BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur pays tributes to one of India’s greatest ever

An outstanding role model on & off field fr Indian cricket. @ImZaheer hs been one of the key reasons fr Indias success ovr last 15yrs! @bcci

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 15, 2015

Ishant Sharma reiterates the “Zaheer Effect” on his own career

First role model, an iconic fast bowler and above all a great friend. Congratulations @ImZaheer pa on your splendid career.

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) October 15, 2015

Harbhajan Singh showers his affection

What a bowler mr khan and supper dildar yar. God bless you my brother. Love you zakiiiiiiiii @ImZaheer @BCCI https://t.co/DIjlt1rHHo

— Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) October 15, 2015

Harsha Bhogle conveys the intelligent side of Zaheer

When you have a relaxed conversation with @ImZaheer you realise what a shrewd and intelligent cricketer he was. Wish him well.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 15, 2015

A message from Mahela Jayawardena

Congratulations on a fantastic international career @ImZaheer . Enjoyed all the battles we had. Well done buddy! 👏👏👏

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) October 15, 2015

Umesh wishes Zak the best for his future endeavours

Zak bhai you will go as one of the greats to have played this wonderful game. All the best for the future. Legend.@ImZaheer

— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) October 15, 2015

Virender Sehwag's message for his former teammate

@ImZaheer :one of the keenest cricketing minds n one of the largest hearted players that I have known. A true champion! All the best Zak!

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 15, 2015

Yuvraj Singh to miss the Zakattack!

cricket gave you evthin and it gave me a friend like u an absolute gem So long Zakattack il see u on the other side God bles you @ImZaheer

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 15, 2015

RP Singh’s message for his role model

Congratulations on a great career @ImZaheer. You've been a role model for many fast bowlers including me. All the best for your future.

— R P Singh (@RpSingh99) October 15, 2015

Message from South African all-rounder JP Duminy

Congrats @ImZaheer on an outstanding international career. Definitely 1 of most skilled bowlers I've played with and against. #legend

— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) October 15, 2015

Ashwin’s farewell message for Zaheer

Well done on a great career @ImZaheer , surely the best fast bowler India has seen.Legends don't retire,they just leave a legacy to follow.

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) October 15, 2015

Message from all time great Shaun Pollock

Hey @ImZaheer congrats on your career you certainly kept the flying high... all the best with your last IPL.

— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) October 15, 2015

Pragyan Ojha’s word of affection for Zak

Congratulations ZAK pa on an outstanding career. It was an absolute pleasure to have played with you and known you! @ImZaheer 'u r the best'

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) October 15, 2015

Australian batsman David Warner wishes Zaheer Khan the best of luck

Well done buddy. Was a privilege to play against you. @ImZaheer all the best with your future endeavours https://t.co/tuX8YnMGBT

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 15, 2015