Tributes pour in for retiring Zaheer Khan on Twitter

NEW DELHI: Iconic Sachin Tendulkar and limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni led the bandwagon of former and current cricketers praising Zaheer Khan, who ended his international career on Thursday.

The 37-year-old Zaheer decided to call time on his international career with immediate effect but will be bidding adieu to the domestic circuit at the end IPL's season 9 next year.

"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," Tendulkar tweeted.

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

India's limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said it would have been tough to make the side successful without the pacer's presence in the dressing room.

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

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

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 15, 2015

Also lauding the pacer was Test captain Virat Kohli, who called Zaheer 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

Zaheer's teammates Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh also tweeted their good wishes for the bowler.

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

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

Former batsman VVS Laxman said he felt honoured to have been a part of the side, which had Zaheer.

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

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan said, "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."

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