Cricket: Zaheer Khan pens touching tribute to Sudhir Naik — ‘To Sir, With Love’

Former India pacer and 2011 ICC men’s ODI World Cup winner Zaheer Khan penned a touching tribute to his coach and mentor Sudhir Naik.

Naik, a former India player and a stalwart of Mumbai cricket, passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness.

As an 18-year-old, Zaheer came to Mumbai to pursue a career in cricket and was given his big break by Naik. Zaheer shared a tribute to Naik on Twitter where he recalled how the latter gave him his big break in cricket.

My first interaction with Sudhir Naik sir not only paved the way for my career in cricket but also changed my life forever. I will always be indebted to him for his trust and belief in me. He will be my mentor and guide wherever he is.

Rest in peace, Sir. pic.twitter.com/F3DOT1CmtC— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) April 6, 2023

Full text of Zaheer Khan’s tribute

To Sir, With Love

It was the summer of 1996. I was 18 and had just finished my class 12 board examinations. My love for cricket took me to Mumbai which was about 250 kms from my hometown of Shrirampur.

Although an aspiring engineering student, I wanted to explore the possibility of playing professional cricket at some level.

My father and I went from one maidan to the...

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