When Zaheer walked out to bat in England Test debut 1971, he roused eyebrows. Who is this chap they mused ? Thin, curved, covered with sweater, mop of hair sideburns, spectacles covering face. One writer penned that he looked like a scholarly scientist conducting an experiment on batting. 274 runs later, he announced himself
While Chappelli had the temperament, tenacity and toughness, Zaheer had timing, talent and thirst for runs - added to elegance.
Statistically, his place is secure :
Tests - Highest debut innings in England (274), 4 double centuries, 3 successive 150+ innings, high average century score
ODI - 3 successive centuries
FC - Century + Double Century in a match 4 times unbeaten in all, 100+ centuries