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Saurabh Kumar, born on 1 May 1993 in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the realm of domestic cricket in India. A left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Saurabh has showcased his prowess both with the bat and the ball, making him a valuable all-rounder in the cricketing circuit.
Hailing from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh's cricketing journey began in the bylanes of his hometown. His passion for the sport was evident from a young age, and it wasn't long before he made his mark in the domestic cricket arena. His batting style is left-handed, and he bowls slow left-arm orthodox, a combination that has often proved lethal for his opponents.
Saurabh Kumar's domestic career has been nothing short of spectacular. He made his Twenty20 debut on 8 January 2016 in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His performance in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy was particularly noteworthy, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Uttar Pradesh, claiming 23 dismissals in just four matches. This feat was a testament to his bowling capabilities and his ability to turn the game around with his spin.
His excellence on the field didn't go unnoticed. In February 2017, the Rising Pune Supergiants team acquired him for the 2017 Indian Premier League, marking his entry into the glamorous world of IPL cricket.
Throughout his cricketing journey, Saurabh has achieved numerous milestones that have solidified his position as a formidable player in domestic cricket:
In the 2018–19 Duleep Trophy, he was named in the squad for India Blue and emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with a staggering nineteen dismissals in just three matches.
December 2018 witnessed one of his most remarkable performances in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy match against Haryana. Kumar took an astounding fourteen wickets for just 65 runs in the match. This performance is recorded as the second-best match figures for a bowler from Uttar Pradesh in the history of the Ranji Trophy.
His consistency was evident in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy, where he was the leading wicket-taker for Uttar Pradesh in the group stage, with 50 dismissals in nine matches. He concluded the tournament with 51 wickets in ten matches.
In recognition of his skills and consistent performance, Saurabh was named as one of the five net bowlers in India's Test squad for their series against England in January 2021. The following month, he was acquired by the Punjab Kings in the IPL auction, further cementing his position as a sought-after player in the cricketing world.
Drawing from his achievements and the milestones he has crossed, it's evident that Saurabh Kumar's journey in the world of cricket is one of dedication, hard work, and sheer talent. As he continues to play and inspire, the cricketing world eagerly awaits more record-breaking performances from this Uttar Pradesh star.
Saurabh Kumar's cricketing statistics are a testament to his prowess on the field. Let's delve into the numbers that define his illustrious career:
Batting & Fielding: Over the course of his career, Saurabh has played 62 matches, scoring 1894 runs with a high score of 133. His batting average stands at 27.05, and he has struck 11 half-centuries. His strike rate in the longer format of the game is 73.81.
Bowling: Saurabh's bowling statistics are particularly impressive. In first-class cricket, he has bowled 14249 balls, claiming 264 wickets. His best bowling figures in an innings are 8/64, and in a match, they stand at 14/65. His economy rate is 2.74, and he boasts an average of 24.67. Notably, he has taken five wickets in an innings 20 times and has achieved the ten-wicket haul in a match on 7 occasions.
T20 Statistics: In the shorter format, Saurabh has played 63 matches, scoring 271 runs with a strike rate of 87.13. As a bowler, he has taken 46 wickets in 1714 balls with an economy rate of 4.23. His best figures in T20s are 6/25.
These statistics not only highlight Saurabh's versatility as an all-rounder but also his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.
Early Beginnings: Saurabh's cricketing journey began with the Uttar Pradesh Under-19 and Under-22 teams, laying a strong foundation for his future in the sport.
Diverse Teams: Apart from representing Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh has played for various teams like Punjab Kings, Rest of India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Services.
IPL Stint: Saurabh was bought by the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 for the IPL, and later, he was acquired by the Punjab Kings, marking his significant presence in the most glamorous cricket league in the world.
Consistent Performer: In the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy, Saurabh's match figures against Haryana were the second-best for any Uttar Pradesh bowler in the history of the tournament.
Recognition: His consistent performances earned him a spot as a net bowler for India's Test squad against England, a significant recognition of his skills at the international level.
Saurabh Kumar, with his consistent performances and dedication to the sport, has carved a niche for himself in the annals of Indian domestic cricket. His journey, marked by significant milestones and records, serves as an inspiration for budding cricketers. Whether it's his remarkable bowling figures or his ability to chip in with valuable runs, Saurabh has time and again proved his mettle on the field.
While his statistics speak volumes about his skills, it's his passion, commitment, and never-give-up attitude that sets him apart. As he continues to play and inspire, the cricketing fraternity looks forward to more stellar performances from this talented all-rounder. His legacy in cricket is not just about the records he sets but also about the indomitable spirit he brings to the game.
FAQs
When did Saurabh Kumar make his Twenty20 debut?
Saurabh made his Twenty20 debut on 8 January 2016.
For which IPL teams has Saurabh Kumar played?
He has played for Rising Pune Supergiants and Punjab Kings.
What are Saurabh's best bowling figures in first-class cricket?
His best figures are 8/64 in an innings and 14/65 in a match.
Which team did Saurabh represent in the 2018–19 Duleep Trophy?
He represented India Blue.
When was Saurabh Kumar born?
He was born on 1 May 1993.
