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Basil Thampi, born on 11th September 1993 in Ernakulam, Kerala, has emerged as one of the promising talents in the Indian cricketing circuit. A right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium pacer, Thampi's journey from the local grounds of Kerala to the grand stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the international arena is nothing short of inspirational.
Hailing from Ernakulam, Basil was introduced to the world of cricket at a young age. Born to N.M Thampi and Lisy Thampi, he grew up in a supportive environment that
nurtured his passion for the sport. On a personal note, Basil tied the knot with Sneha Roy on 4th July 2022.
His cricketing journey began in earnest when he made his mark in local tournaments, showcasing his prowess both as a batsman and a bowler. His dedication, combined with his natural talent, soon caught the attention of selectors and coaches in the Kerala cricketing circuit.
Basil Thampi made his first-class debut during the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy, representing Kerala against Goa on 6th February 2015. His performances were consistent, and he quickly established himself as a key player for his state side.
In June 2017, Thampi's efforts were rewarded with a maiden call-up to the India A team. He was selected for the tri-series against hosts South Africa A and Australia A, marking a significant milestone in his career. Later in October 2017, he was included in both the Board President's XI and India A squads to play against New Zealand, further solidifying his position as a rising star in domestic cricket.
Thampi's commitment to the game was evident when, in 2018, he braved the floods in Kerala to ensure he started the cricketing season on time. His dedication paid off as he was named in the India Blue squad for the 2018–19 Duleep Trophy. The following year, he was again selected for the India Blue team for the 2019–20 Duleep Trophy. In the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Thampi emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker for Kerala, bagging eight wickets from six matches. His consistent performances ensured his selection for the South Zone's team in the 2022-23 Duleep Trophy.
Thampi's journey in domestic cricket is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. From his early days in Ernakulam to representing Kerala and India A, he has showcased his talent and potential at every step, making him one of the most promising cricketers in the country.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform where many budding cricketers have showcased their talent, and Basil Thampi is no exception. His IPL journey began in February 2017 when he was acquired by the Gujarat Lions for a sum of ₹85 lakhs. In his debut season, Thampi made a significant impact, bagging 11 wickets from 12 matches. His ability to bowl consistently at speeds exceeding 140 kmph and deliver pinpoint yorkers in the death overs caught the attention of many. His exceptional performance in the season earned him the "Emerging Player Award", a testament to his potential and talent.
In January 2018, Thampi was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL auction. During the 2018 IPL season, he faced a challenging moment when he bowled the most expensive spell in IPL history, conceding 70 runs in four overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, true to his character, Thampi took this in stride, using it as a learning experience to improve his game. His stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad continued until 2021. In February 2022, he was acquired by the Mumbai Indians, marking a new chapter in his IPL journey.
Basil Thampi's consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL did not go unnoticed at the international level. In 2017, he received his maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the T20I series against Zimbabwe. Although he did not get a chance to don the Indian jersey in the series, being recognised and selected for the national side was a significant achievement in itself.
While his international debut for the senior Indian team is still awaited, Thampi has represented the India A team in several matches, showcasing his skills and potential against international opponents. His journey serves as a reminder that talent, combined with hard work and perseverance, can open doors to the highest levels of the game.
Throughout his cricketing journey, Basil Thampi has achieved several milestones and set records that underline his talent:
Emerging Player of the IPL 2017: Thampi's debut IPL season was nothing short of spectacular. His ability to bowl consistently and pick crucial wickets earned him the
"Emerging Player of the Season" award.
Consistent Performer in Domestic Cricket: In the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Thampi emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker for Kerala, highlighting his importance to the team.
Maiden Call-up to India A: Thampi's selection for the India A team for the tri-series against South Africa A and Australia A in June 2017 was a significant milestone. It was a recognition of his consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Speed and Yorkers: Thampi's ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 140 kmph has made him a force to reckon with in the cricketing circuit. His knack for delivering yorkers, especially in the death overs, has been a standout feature of his bowling.
Resilience and Dedication: Thampi's commitment to the game was evident when he braved the Kerala floods to start the 2018 cricketing season. This act of dedication and resilience speaks volumes about his character and passion for the game.
As of the latest updates, Basil Thampi continues to be an integral part of the cricketing circuit. After his commendable stints with Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was acquired by the Mumbai Indians in 2022. This move signifies the trust and potential franchises see in him, given Mumbai Indians' reputation for nurturing and bringing out the best in players.
In the domestic arena, Thampi remains a crucial player for Kerala. His performances in the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker for Kerala, are a testament to his consistent form and importance to the team. Furthermore, his selection for the South Zone's team in the 2022-23 Duleep Trophy underlines his stature in domestic cricket.
Thampi's bowling style, marked by his ability to deliver fast and accurate yorkers, continues to be his strength. His speed, often exceeding 140 kmph, combined with his skill set, makes him a formidable opponent in the T20 format, especially in the IPL.
Basil Thampi's journey from the local grounds of Kerala to the grand stages of the IPL and the brink of international cricket is a tale of dedication, hard work, and passion. His achievements in domestic cricket, combined with his notable performances in the IPL, have solidified his reputation as one of the promising talents in Indian cricket.
While he awaits his much-deserved debut in the international arena, Thampi's journey serves as an inspiration for many budding cricketers. It's a testament to the fact that with perseverance, dedication, and the right opportunities, one can rise through the ranks and make a mark.
As fans and followers of the sport, we can only look forward to seeing more of Thampi's exploits on the cricket field, be it in the IPL, domestic tournaments, or hopefully soon, in the international circuit. His journey is a reminder that talent, when combined with hard work, can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
FAQs
Who is Basil Thampi?
Basil Thampi is an Indian cricketer, a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium pacer, known for his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL.
Which IPL teams has Basil Thampi played for?
Basil Thampi has played for Gujarat Lions, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and was acquired by Mumbai Indians in 2022.
When did Basil Thampi make his first-class debut?
Basil Thampi made his first-class debut during the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy on 6th February 2015, representing Kerala.
What is Basil Thampi's bowling style?
Thampi is a right-arm fast-medium pacer known for bowling at speeds exceeding 140 kmph and delivering accurate yorkers.
Has Basil Thampi played for the Indian national team?
As of the latest updates, Basil Thampi received a call-up for the Indian national team for a T20I series against Zimbabwe in 2017 but is yet to make his debut.
