India have been seeking another top-notch fast bowler alongside Javagal Srinath, and in Zaheer many believe the national team have found one.
He made his international one-day debut against Kenya in the ICC Knockout competition and took three wickets.
{{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}}
A month later, Zaheer made his Test debut against Bangladesh where he took match figures of three for 69.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
He suffered from a loss of form in subsequent Tests before taking seven wickets in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy.
Zaheer has grown in stature ever since and at the end of 2002 took eight wickets in the series against the West Indies.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}{{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}}