As the Indian cricket team faces the challenging task of leveling the series against England in the upcoming second Test in Vizag, they find themselves grappling with the absence of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja due to a hamstring injury sustained during the first Test in Hyderabad. However, stepping into the limelight is the left-arm spinning all-rounder Saurabh Kumar, who has been named as Jadeja’s replacement for the crucial match.
Saurabh Kumar: A Spin-Bowling All-Rounder
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh Kumar mirrors Jadeja’s playing style as a left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox spinner. While he may not yet have reached the heights of Jadeja’s prowess, Saurabh is a handy batsman with an average just above 27. His true strength, however, lies in his bowling skills, having taken an impressive tally of 290 wickets in 68 first-class matches.
Impressive Performance in India A vs England Lions 2nd Test
Saurabh Kumar’s selection for the national squad comes on the back of an outstanding performance in the recently concluded India A vs England Lions 2nd Test. Displaying his all-round capabilities, he notched up six wickets and contributed 77 runs with the bat. This stellar performance not only showcased his cricketing skills but also caught the attention of the selectors.
Journey from Baraut to National Call-Up
Known as “Shane Warne” among his teammates in Baraut, Saurabh Kumar’s journey to the national team is a testament to his dedication and talent. Even in the early days, he drew comparisons with cricketing legends, being called “Dhoni” when hitting sixes across the railway station. His family, originally from Bitavada village in Budhana, shifted to Meerut in 2004 and later to Azad Nagar in Baraut in 2006.
Under the mentorship of coach Prateek Tomar at Shaheed Shahmal Cricket Academy in Baraut, Saurabh’s skills flourished, earning him a reputation for his unbroken batting and bowling prowess. The 30-year-old cricketer, who has played extensively in Baraut and Baghpat, is poised to make his debut in the national team, with the potential to make a significant impact.
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Stats Speak: A Glimpse into Saurabh’s Cricketing Achievements
With 290 wickets in first-class cricket, including a best bowling figure of 8 for 64, and a batting average of 27.11, Saurabh Kumar’s statistics underscore his contributions to the game. His highest score of 133 and two centuries, along with 12 half-centuries, showcase his versatility as a genuine all-rounder.
As Saurabh Kumar gears up to don the Indian jersey, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his performance in the second Test against England, hopeful that he will play a pivotal role in India’s quest for victory and leveling the series.
IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Squad (Updated)
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.
