Tendulkar pays rich tribute to retiring Zaheer Khan

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has paid rich tributes to retiring Zaheer Khan, describing the left-arm pacer as the one who used to 'out-think' batsmen most of the times.

"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. I am sure he will do well as he begins a new chapter in his life. Wishing @ImZaheer all success in his retired life," cricketing icon Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

Leading the bandwagon of current cricketers, limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Test skipper Virat Kohli also heaped praise on the 37-year-old pacer for his contribution to the Indian cricket.

"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. Life has just started now,U still can and definitely will contribute a lot to Indian Cricket.wish U all the success," Dhoni tweeted.

"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," Kohli wrote on Twitter.

The former Indian spearhead had claimed 311 wickets at an average of 32.94 in 92 Tests and 282 at 29.43 in 200 one-day internationals. He played a crucial role in India's 2011 World Cup winning campaign, taking 21 wickets to become the tournament's joint leading wicket-taker with Pakistan's Shahid Afridi.

Although Zaheer will be available for next year's edition of the Indian Premier League, he has announced that he would call curtains on his career after the conclusion of the Twenty20 competition.