That cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties was proved once again at the Edelweiss 20s challenge, the second edition of the Indian Cricket League.
HYDERABAD: That cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties was proved once again at the Edelweiss 20s challenge, the second edition of the Indian Cricket League.
The Lahore Badshahs, arguably the strongest team in the T20, was brought down to earth by some young and unheralded players of Hyderabad Heroes.
“The objective of the tournament has been to promote youngsters from India and give them the lead role. That’s the reason why international players are seen to play a second fiddle,” said Ahmedabad Rockets’ coach John Emburey. Hyderabad Heroes skipper Chris Harris, too, articulated the same when he said: “We are here to support the Indian players who are actually taking the charge against opponent teams. I find them equally talented and they have been competitive throughout.”
Here are some key performers in the just-concluded T20 tournament...
Ambati Rayudu: The right-hand batsman has been the mainstay of the Hyderabad Heroes’ batting. Coming at No.3, he not only has the gumption to play aggressive cricket, but has the potential to adjust his game according to the need of the hour. His unbeaten 46 not out on Sunday was a solo effort that saved the the Heroes from defeat.
A good fielder in the deep, Rayudu has a good throwing arm and can even bowl some right-arm off spin. Altogether, he is a utility player and a good all-rounder, an asset for any side.
Alfred Absolom: Young and energetic, he holds the record of being the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. . Absolom’s 7 for 15 against the Ahmedabad Rockets is the best so far and his medium pace can be deceptive. A bit temperamental, Absolom has the potential to bat down the order and has a good throwing arm too, as he has been the catalyst for quite a few run outs in the tournament.
Ibrahim Khaleel: He is a former West Indies keeper Jeff Dujon’s favourite, as the Heroes’ keeper has been phenomenal behind the wicket for the champion side. He has the record of most dismissals by a keeper in the Edelweiss 20s challenge. With seven stumps and seven caught behind in 10 matches, he tops the chart ahead of Mumbai Champs Subhojit Paul. Khaleel also contributes with the bat and he is capable of big hits down the order.
Inder Shekhar Reddy: He’s a talismanic bowler for the Heroes and has delivered his best whenever the side needed it the most. Calm and composed, the left-arm orthodox spinner has the knack of picking up wickets in crunch situations and bailed out the Heroes from a pilferage after Badshahs openers went on a rampage in the initial overs on Sunday. He was the pick of the Heroes bowlers with four wickets for 19 runs in four overs.
Raviraj Patil: The burly right-hander from Mumbai Champs is a hard hitter of the ball and is also useful in the middle overs with his off spin. His flair with the bat evolved in the tournament when he sent the Heroes bowlers on a leather hunt scoring a quickfire 27-ball 51. Ideally suited to playing T20 cricket, he is cut out short and strong innings. Though a bit fidgety with the bat, Mumbai Champs coach Sandeep Patil considers him to be one of the most maturing players of T20 cricket.
Abhishek Jhunjhunwala: The Kolkata Tigers player has been one of the most promising cricketers in the tournament with some all-round performance. Aggressive with the bat, he has matured as a T20 player and his off breaks in the middle act as good speed breakers.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}