Sportskeeda's Top 50 Indian Test cricketers of all-time (20-11)

#19 Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan was instrumental in India reaching the number one Test ranking in 2009

When India reached the pinnacle of Test cricket for the first time since the inception of ICC rankings in 2009, the focus centered around the enviable batting lineup containing some of the most famous names in Indian cricket.

Amidst all the media frenzy, the contribution of the bowlers was largely forgotten. Led by Zaheer Khan, the bowling attack played an equally important role in the team's surge. Playing the role of the side's pace spearhead, the left-armer swung many a game in their favour with his sharp swing and admirable tactical nous.

Extra Cover: Zaheer Khan - No country for fast bowlers

Upon bursting on to the scene as a tearaway quick, Zaheer immediately evoked comparisons with the flamboyant men from across the border.

Even as recurrent injuries kept plaguing him, he increased emphasis on fitness and reinvented himself through a stint with Worcestershire in the 2006 County season. From then on, the canny bowler never looked back.

Utilising his nippy pace as well as extensive knowledge of reverse-swing, he delivered vital breakthroughs for India with new ball and old ball alike. Eventually, he ended an extremely productive career as his country's second most prolific fast bowler.

Career Span: 2000-2014

Statistics: 311 wickets from 92 matches at an average of 32.94 and strike-rate of 60.4 with 11 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul