Discussing the richest cricket boards is common in the world of cricket today.
Dwaine Pretorius becomes the latest to retire from internationals to focus on T20 leagues. He follows Colin de Grandhomme, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, and several others in becoming free agents. The SA 20 league, aka IPL in South Africa, has gained a lot of attention in being the ‘final hope’ for South African cricket. But why is that South African, New Zealand, and West Indies cricketers in particular are leaving international cricket?
It all boils down to the money. Today, we discuss the richest cricket boards in Part 4 of our series, Cricket & Finances. Here is quick overview:
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is the richest cricket league in the world with an estimated $2 billion annual revenue. The BCCI is followed by the ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board) at $368 Million, and CA (Cricket Australia) at $270 Million in annual revenue. The CSA (Cricket South Africa) has revenues of $46 million, NZC (New Zealand Cricket) is at $42 million, and CWI (Cricket West Indies) is at $28 million. Those are not bad numbers, but exploring a bit in-depth, we see that CSA had a total comprehensive loss of $11.6 million, NZC suffered a loss of $4.6 million, and CWI incurred a loss of $10 million.
World’s Richest Cricket Boards (Lowest to Highest)
We looked at the financial statements and Annual Reports of each of these respective boards to come up with the revenue, expenditure, and total surplus/loss.The ranking of the national cricket board is displayed with the (annual revenue) and partners/sponsors.
*all figures are in $US dollars.
12. Zimbabwe Cricket – ZC ($5.5 Million)
Revenue:$5,520,442
Total Operating Costs:$6,953,991
Total Deficit:–$1,239,606 (LOSS)
Total Comprehensive Income (after surplus on lands and buildings): – $1,192,166
Is Zimbabwe Cricket profitable?No, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) is not profitable with a deficit of $1.1 million in 2020.
Based on Annual Reports & financial statements ending on 31 December 2020.
Partners
Banaqua, Swift, Zimpharm, Dandemutande, A May, Ihsan, Swift, Windmill Pvt Ltd
Is Afghanistan Cricket Board profitable?Yes, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is marginally profitable with a surplus of $390,000 in 2019 (breakeven).
*Note: This is based on the 2019 Annual Report, published in 2020. US withdrawal of Afghanistan occurred around August 2021. No new annual reports have been published since then.
Highlights from the 2019-20 Annual Report
“Afghanistan Cricket Board as the owner of the league spent around $369,000 for the implementation of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL).
The distribution of revenue for ACB was as follows:
84% ICC Distribution
9% Government
4% Marketing
3% Shpageeza
Partners
Main Sponsor:Partner with ACB
National Team Sponsor:Super Cola
Official NFT:Rario
Cloth Manufacturing Partner:TYKA
IT Partner:Afghan Telecom
Other Partners:Asian Cricket Councial, ICC
SCL Sponsor: Etisalat
Main Jersey Sponsor:Diva Group
Medical Partner:Blossom Health Care
Beverage Partner:Habib Gulzar Limited
Umpires Jersey Sponsor:RTA Sports
Other Sponsors:Kam Air, Dafa News, Madava Hospital, Tayyab Yasir Limited, Refai Shaheen Construction Company
Retained earnings at the end of the financial year:310,166 ($333,000)
Based on Annual Reports & financial statements ending on 31 December 2021.
Is Cricket Ireland profitable?No, Cricket Ireland is not profitable with a deficit of 1,230,869 Euros ($1.3 Million). On the other hand, in 2020, the Cricket Ireland was profitable with a surplus of 1,537,632 Euros ($1.65 Million).
Partners
Main Sponsors & Men’s Shirts Rights Holder:ITWConsulting
Official Ireland Women’s Team Partner & Official Technology Partner:Hanley Energy
Official Airline Partner:Turkish Airlines
Official sponsor of Inter-Provincial Series:Test Triangle
Official IT Services Partner:Techfynder
Official Currency Exchange Partner:ClearCurrency
Official Partners:Amul, O’Neills, Ulster University, Tildenet, Club Travel, La Manga Club, ICC, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, The Hope Foundation, Federation of Irish Sport, Arachas Insurance, Mansfield Sports Group
Total Revenue:7,994,291,865 SL Rupee ($22,022,843)
Total Expenses:5,883,380,298 SL Rupee ($16,207,659)
Net Surplus:2,138,726,491 SL Rupee ($5,891,809)
Total Comprehensive Income (after assets, taxes, actuarial gain, etc.): 2,478,605,198 SL Rupee ($6,8282,113)
Is Sri Lankan Cricket Board profitable? Yes, Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLCB) is profitable with a surplus of 2,478,605,198 SL Rupee ($6,8282,113) in 2021.
Based on Annual Reports & financial statements ending on 31 December 2021.
Highlights from the 2021 Annual Report
The distribution of SLCB’s revenue was as follows:
Total Income: PKR Rs. 6,330,842,117 ($27, 665,780)
Total Expenses:PKR Rs. 7,086,927,287 ($31 Million)
Total Deficit: -PKR 756,085,170 (-$3.3 Million) (LOSS)
Is Pakistan Cricket Board profitable? No, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not profitable with a deficit ofPKR 756,085,170 (-$3.3 Million) in the 2020-21 season.
Based on Annual Reports & financial statements ending on 30 June 2021.
*PKR Rs. denotes Pakistan Rupees
Commercial Partners
Men’s team:Pepsi, TCL, Parkview City
Women’s team: Pepsi
Commercial Partner:Trans Group
Broadcast & Live Streaming Partner: Ary Zap, Willow, Sony, Etisalat, Fox Sports, Flow Sports, SkySport, Sky Sports, ICC TV, SuperSport
Is the Bangladesh Cricket Board profitable? Yes, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was profitable in 2020 with a surplus of BDT 832,68,87,010 ($79.2 Million)
Based on AnnualGeneral Meeting 2021, which summarized CWI’s financial statements from 2020.
*BDT – Bangladesh Taka
Highlight from the 2017-2020 BCB Activity Report
“In the six years between 2011 and 2016 the Board had earned US $33.32 million in media, team sponsor, and other rights while in just three years from 2017 to 2020, the BCB’s earnings stood at approximately US $29 million from the same sources.”
Total Revenue:$66,401,000 NZD ($42, 217, 755.80 USD)
Total Expenditure:$46,496,000 NZD ($29,604,000 USD)
Total Surplus: $792,000 NZD ($504,000 USD)
Total Comprehensive Deficit (after Unrealized Loss and Valuation of Foreign Currency Hedging): – $6.7 Million NZD (- $4.26 Million USD)(LOSS)
Is New Zealand Cricket profitable?No, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is not profitable with a net deficit of $ 6.7 Million NZD ($ 4.26 Million USD) in 2021.
Based on the 2021-22 Annual Report and corresponding financial statements for fiscal year ending on 31 July 2022.
Highlight from the 2021-22 Annual Report
ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 – Surplus of $2.6 Million NZD ($ 1.653 Million USD)
$1.8 Million NZD ($1.14 Million USD) provided to support NZC’s High Performance Center.
“Over 95% of all NZC revenue is derived from our teams’ participation in these FTP and ICC events…”
NZCB Commercial Partners
Official Broadcast Partner:SparkSport
International Broadcast Partner:Pitch
Major Bank & Official Bank:ANZ
Official Vehicle Provider:Ford
Official Hotel Supplier:Accor
Official Supplier:Air New Zealand
Official Clothing Sponsor:Canterbury of New Zealand
Official Sports Drink:Powerade
Official Sponsor of NZ Cricket Umpires:G.J. Gardner Homes
Official Car Rental Partner:Hertz
Partner of the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS (3 -year Deal): KFC
Official Radio & Digital Partner:MediaWorks
Official Partners:Gillette, Les Mills, Dulux, Asahi Beverages NZ
Funding Partners:Sports NZ, New Zealand Community Trust, Perry Foundation, Southern Trust
Total Revenue:778, 353,000 Rands ($45,767,156 USD)
Total Expenses:995,624,000 Rands ($58,492,910 USD)
Total Comprehensive Loss: -197,874,000 Rands ($-11,625,097 USD) (LOSS)
End of Year Balance (After adding up previous years’ savings):272 Million Rands ($16 Million)
Is Cricket South Africa profitable? No, Cricket South Africa was not profitable in 2021-22 with a net deficit of -197 Million South African Rands (loss of $11.625 Million US dollars).
Based on the 2021-22 Integrated Report and corresponding financial statements for fiscal year ending on 30 April 2022.
Highlights from the Integrated Report 2021-22
“The curtailment of the planned four T20 matches against India due to Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted CSA’s results, with a -R 250 Million (- $14.7 Million USD). This revenue loss was mitigated to a certain extent by committed cost reductions through all business areas, resulted in a reported loss of R198 Million ($11.6 Million USD).”
“CSA does not own cricket stadiums, so proceeds generated by these venues are shared, with CSA receiving 20% and stadium operators (CSA members) receiving 80%.”
Revenue Division
53% Broadcast Rights: 413 Million SA Rands ($24 Million)
33% ICC distribution: 256 Million SA Rands ($15 Million USD)
4% Sponsorships (Professional), 2% Sponsorships (Amateur): 52 Million SA Rands ($3 Million USD)
Is Cricket Australia profitable? Yes, Cricket Australia (CA) is profitable with a net surplus of $ 10.7 million AUD ($7.4 million USD) in 2021. Hence, Cricket Australia is on #3 in the richest cricket boards in the world.
Based on the 2021-22 Annual Report and Statement of Comprehensive Income for fiscal year ending on 30 June 2022.
Partners
Broadcast Partners:Fox Sports, Seven West Media, ABC Radio, Macquarie Radio Network, Sports Entertainment Network
International Broadcast Partners:Sony, Fox Sports Asia, beIN, BT Sport, Supersport, Kwese Sports, Sports Max, Flow Sports, Willow, ATN, SKY Network Television, National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea
Total Comprehensive Income:$20,751,000 Pounds ($25,229,066 USD)
Is the England & Wales Cricket Board profitable? Yes, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is profitable. According to the 2021-22 Financial Statements, the ECB had a net surplus of $20.7 million pounds ($25.2 million US dollars). Hence, the ECB is the 2nd among the richest cricket boards on the planet.
Based on the 2021-22 Financial Statements for fiscal year ending on 31 January 2022.
Is the Board of Control for Cricket in India profitable? Yes, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is profitable with a net surplus of INR 529 Crore ($64.8 million US dollars). Furthermore, the profit has grown to an estimated $2 billion as of 2022.
Based on the 2016-17 Financial Statements for fiscal year ending on 31 March 2017.
Although official documents were limited to 2017, we investigated further based on Twitter data and media reports from reputable sources. For example, the infographic by Forbes India shows the mammoth growth in BCCI’s net worth between 2014 & 2018. BCCI’s net worth is shown to be INR 11,916.8 crore ($1.224 billion US dollars).
Since then, BCCI’s rise has been exponential. Here are some of the highlights of major rights and sponsorships, including the mammoth $6.2 billion IPL media rights between 2023-2027.
In conclusion, about $1.24 billion revenue will be achieved annually by the IPL media right alone. The ICC revenue and all of the other sponsorships will make up another billion (and will change everywhere as the negotiations with each sponsor changes). The BCCI is easily #1 on the list of the world’s richest cricket boards.
*Note: The estimated Revenue for ICC’s broadcasting income from the 2023 ODI World Cup is about $533.29 Million, from which $58.23-116.47 million is expected to be taxed by the Indian government.
Partners
India’s sponsors and partners are as follows:
Team Sponsor:BYJU’S: The Learning App
Official Broadcaster:Star Sports ($944 Million)
Title Sponsor:Mastercard
Official Partners:Dream11, Hyundai, Ambuja Cement, Killer Jeans(Kewal Kiran Clothing)
The only profitable cricket boards are the BCCI, ECB, CA, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLCB).
This is the concerning aspect. If the national body is not profitable, they have to cut back on salaries, systems, and leagues. This is exactly why South Africa are hoping that the SA20 league generates so much revenue that the surplus can raise players’ salaries and keep them in the domestic circuit.
How Do Cricket Boards Earn Money?
Cricket boards earn money in a variety of ways—ICC revenue, media rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, etc. Here is a visual from ESPNCricinfo illustrating the2016-2023 revenue distribution from the ICC to the top cricketing nations.
Rain, rain go away, come again another day, little Rashid Khan wants to play. They never got to showcase their whole talent, did they? Ran Australia close with Rashid brilliance in Adelaide, Mujeeb’s Magic Ball, and Farooqi’s swing, some moments to cherish.
2. Australia
Foolish batting vs New Zealand, net run rate drops, never recovered, Stoinis only star, Starc-Cummins drop T20 credentials, Finch nearing the end.
3. Bangladesh
The Tigers were one win away from the semi-finals. That is already a big plus, isn’t it? Nothing was expected from them. Also Taskin’s menace and the elegancethat Liton Das is.
4. England
Double World Champions, shall I say more? The talent that Sam Curran is, redemptions of Alex Hales & Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler’s calm captaincy paves new era for England cricket. England’s message to the whole world – Change or Perish. This is the way to go in T20s.
A script so predictable that is starting to get boring. Virat Kohli’s usual magic, India breezes to the semi-finals, and then packs their bags only to return home. But disappointment aside, That Haris Rauf shot, SKY’s 360 game, and the emergency of Arshdeep is what we will all remember.
Coming of age. The Campher-Dockrell recovery vs Scotland set the tone for this World Cup, Balbirnie led from the front, Stirling with his one great innings, Fionn Hand’s Ball vs Stokes, Tector’s 71, and wins versus West Indies and England. Ireland are big boys now.
7. Namibia
Set the World Cup on fire with a dominating victory against Sri Lanka in the first game. Almost through to the Super 12s with David Wiese’s heroics but unfortunately the long boundaries went against them.
8. Netherlands
South Africa will be scarred forever courtesy Roelof Van Der Merwe’s catch and all-round performance. Consistent bowling throughout, Tim Pringle’s glasses, Max O’Dowd’s class, Ackermann’s assault, eye injury to de Leede, Van Meekeren’s fast bowling arrival, and enough support from the rest of the crew.
They came, they saw, they left from the knockout stageswithout conquering. Same old, same old. Glenn Phillips, Santner, and one innings each of Conway/Allen only positives.
10. Pakistan
Almost a replica of 1992. World Cup down under, lost the first couple, almost out.Then came the Shadab show versus South Africa and they never looked back. Naseem-Shaheen-Haris-Wasim made a potential fast bowling attack that challenged England, but an archaic batting strategy cost them.
The reflection of Rilee Rossouw. 100s or nothing. Dominated Bangladesh & India and lost must win games against Pakistan & Netherlands. Another legendary choke in the books.
Good, but not good enough. Injuries meant they were not even close to replicating their Asia Cup heroics. Hasaranga among the wickets again. But Off-field controversies are not helping.
13. Scotland
Brilliant victory against the West Indies but will be disappointed. Had one door in the Super 12s but could not stop an Ireland comeback. An end of era, retirements forthcoming.
14. UAE
Great bowling attack, some power hits, and one win against Namibia. That’s better than most expected.
15. West Indies
Hetmyer missed flight, West Indies missed on common sense cricket. Crashed out of the first round. Digging themselves in a hole now.
16. Zimbabwe
The team to support in this World Cup, lead superbly by Sean Williams with charismatic Sikandar Raza as their main man. Defeated Pakistan and were close to the semis if they hadn’t panicked in the Bangladesh run chase. Chakaba solid behind the stumps, Ngarava the pick of the bowlers with Muzarabani and Brad Evans other positives.
South Africa World Cup Chokes, a phrase we have often heard before, maybe too often.
SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN ELIMINATE FROM THE 2022 T20 WORLD CUP, COURTESY THE NETHERLANDS.
I personally do not like the ‘choker’ term, but there is a reason why the Proteas have earned this tag—rain interruptions, inexplicable collapses, internal politics, dropped catches & runouts, mathematical errors, and sometimes they just don’t show up on the big day. So, to refresh your memories, here is the List of Top 17 South Africa World Cup Chokes & Heartbreaks—Men & Women Combined.
Top 17 List of South Africa World Cup Chokes
1. 1999 World Cup Semi-Final (The Run-Out)
Match Scorecard:
What Happened?
The heartbreaks of all heartbreaks. 8 runs needed in 1 over, 1 wicket remaining. Lance Klusener, in the form of his life, hits two fours. 1 run needed in 4 balls. Klusener – 31*(14). Surely, Proteas has one foot in the finals. Unfortunately, not enough feet as Klusener calls for a panic run, Allan Donald ball watches, runs late, and gets run out. Match Tied. The tie breaker? The Super Six match between Australia and South Africa, which Australia won, most famously known for Steve Waugh’s comment to Herschelle Gibbs, “You just dropped the World Cup.”Waugh went on to make a century and Australia won that clash.
What’s the fuss with DL method? Or the DLS vs VJD methods? Well, long, long time ago these rules did not exist. 22 needed in 13. Anyone’s game. Rain intervened for a short 10-minute break. Next thing you know, South Africa need 22 runs in 1 ball. Explain that.
Myburgh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Tom Cooper, and Scott Edward’s little contributions took Netherlands to 158/4. Quick start by the Proteas but regular wickets and THAT CATCH by former South African cricketer, Roelof van der Merwe meant SA could only get to 145/8.From top of the group to crashing out. They only needed to win one game of the last two and they failed. The No-Result vs Zimbabwe will pinch them as well.“
4. 2003 World Cup Group Stage Exit (Math/DL Method)
1, 0, 0, 5 wides, 1, SIX!, 0, RAIN. Match Tied. South Africa eliminated in the group stage at a home world cup.
Murali bowling to Klusener-Boucher. Last ball-Dot. Reason? South Africa management had miscalculated the DL method and stayed at 229. Had they taken a single, SA would have qualified for the next round.
When asked captain Shaun Pollock in the post-match presentation whether there was any confusion over DL calculations, Pollock replied with “Yeah, Boucher was given a message of 229.”
“So for the second time in a row, South Africa exited with a Tied game. South Africa and the public couldn’t believe it. One run the difference between success and failure.”
Well on the field, you cannot really blame South Africa. With the bat, Faf-ABD-Miller got South Africa to a massive total in a, wait for it, rain curtailed game. NZ had less overs to chase, Baz went all out, Grant Elliot played the innings of his life, and Dale Steyn was on his feet at the end.Rain had arrived when SA were cruising at 216/3 in 38 overs. They got 281 in 43, but NZ magnificently chased 299 (DL).
Meg Lanning gets Australia to 134/5. Runs on the board, but still chaseable with South Africa’s solid batting order. But then, rain intervened. Again. And now they needed 98 in 13 overs, much more challenging with the higher required rate.Laura Wolvaardt played a gem of a knock 41* (27) and brought it down to 19 off 6, but unfortunately, no Carlos Brathwaite moment for them.
South Africa scored a competitive 218. South Africa defending their last over – Dropped dot ball, 1, Wicket, Four. Another last over heartbreak. The difference between the sides? Extras.4 given by England and 25 by South Africa.
Small total to chase, good partnership. All looking good. Then some harsh fighting on the field, a run-out, and the collapse. Perfect ingredients for the ideal South African choke.
From 108-2 in 24 overs to 172 all out in the small chase of 222.
4 wins out of 5. Net Run Rate of +0.739. Temba Bavuma unites the team after Quinton de Kock sits out. Surely, nothing can stop them now? Nope. England & Australia both won 4/5 and had an EVEN BETTER net run rate. The Stoinis-Wade partnership in the low scoring first match hurt South Africa.
In their final match against England, they had scored 189/2 and won against the great English side. Even that wasn’t enough as they had to restrict England to 131 to get their NRR high enough.
India won this one comfortably. South Africa could only get to 116 in chase of 154. Had they got 10 more runs, they would have qualified to the semi-finals of the inaugural T20 World Cup, but lost out due to NRR yet again.
South Africa could only score 101, while England’s stalwarts Sarah Taylor, Charlotte Edwards, and Heather Knight breezed through the chase in 16.5 overs.
17. 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup Group Match (Collapse)
In a chase of 130, South Africa were cruising at 44-1 at 7.2 overs with Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp forming a steady partnership. Then, the spin crunched South Africa as the Proteas collapsed to 72-5. Sune Luus & Sinalo Jafta brought them close, but after the usual run-outs & panic, the Sri Lankan squeezed and won a historic match.
Why are South Africa called ‘Chokers’ in world cricket? South Africa have failed to qualify due to rain & nerves in 1992, 1999, 2007, 2011, and 2015 ODI World Cups along with 2007, 2009, 2014, and 2022 T20 World Cups, 2014, 2022 Women’s T20 World Cup and 2000, 2017, and 2022 Women’s ODI World Cups.
Comment below on your thoughts about South Africa World Cup Chokes and Heartbreaks! Also, feel free to checkout some of our other recent articles.
Ranking Virat Kohli’s best innings is no easy task.
With 71 hundreds, 127 fifties, and countless other important knocks out of his 529 international innings, picking the Top 25 is a challenge. As Roman philosopher, Lucius Anneas Seneca is credited of saying,
“It is a rough road that leads to the height of greatness.”
– Lucius Anneas Seneca
Kohli’s consistency and the ability to rise to the top from the depth of hardship is what makes him truly great.
The winning moment at the MCG give cricket fans chills. Literal chills. This match reminded us of Virat Kohli’s eternal greatness. No man has been as dominating of a cricket player in all the three formats. Here is our Top 25 ranking of Virat Kohli’s best innings across T20I, ODI, and Test cricket.
List of Virat Kohli’s Best Innings
All the scorecards and some video highlights are linked for your reference.
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
Context: Melbourne Cricket Ground. 90,000 crowd. T20 World Cup 2022. India 31-4. Pakistan pacers all over India. The ghost of 2021. The 71st hundred wait. Questions on his form. Mental health break. And then came that innings. Then came that shot—The Shot Heard Around the World.From 31-4 to needing 28 runs in 8 balls to winning the match on the last ball.The chase master is back.The King is back.
Context: A love story begins in Australia. The coming of age for Virat Kohli. Needing to chase 320 in 40 overs, Kohli and co did it in 36.4 overs. Malinga’s figures of 7.4-0-96-1 says it all. The way Kohli handled the pressure, accelerated…this was only the signs to come for the record chaser he was about to become.
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh India
Context: Virat Kohli Mohali innings. India vs Australia 2016 knock-out match. What an innings under pressure. Must-win game. A virtual quarter final. Australia & James Faulkner run into Virat Kohli at his absolute peak. Steady innings to begin with but flourish at the right time. The running, six hitting, and MS Dhoni, this innings had everything.
Context: A glimpse of Virat Kohli, the captain, before he was the official captain. India had never won a Test series in Australia and chasing 364 on Day 5 was unthinkable. Enter Kohli. Centuries in both innings. Aggressive approach. Got India so close, but he was caught on the boundary with sixty runs still to go. India continued their positive approach and collapsed agonizingly short.
5. 119 (181) & 96 (193) vs South Africa, India Tour of South Africa 2013-14
Format: Test
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Context: One of the great Test matches of the 2010s. Will always be remembered for the Faf-De Villiers partnership as South Africa almost chasing 438 before the draw was announced eight runs short.However, the game was nicely setup by the dominance of Kohli in both innings.
6. 169 (272) vs Australia, 2013-14 Border Gavaskar Trophy
Format: Test
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
Context: This match will always be remembered for THAT partnership. Virat Kohli & Ajinkya Rahane smashing Mitchell Johnson’s bouncers. The transition from the Dravid-Tendulkar-Laxman era to the Kohli-Rahane era was complete.
Context: 134 runs in 10 innings. Six single digit scores. 2 ducks. And a Jimmy Anderson. Probably the lowest point in Kohli’s career, technically and mentally. To come back in the next tour, score 593 runs, dominate Anderson, and conquer his inner demons is a life lesson for us all. It all started with this 149 in tough conditions.
Context: Some of the best shots you will ever see. Dancing down the wicket, straight over the bowlers’ head, numerous inside out shots.The series will be remembered for the emergence of Kohli-Rohit duo as the next stars of Indian cricket.
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Context: The scorecard doesn’t tell you what we all felt that day. Pakistan 83/10 and India won by 5 wickets. Easy, right? Wrong. Due to the comeback kid, Mohammad Amir. Rohit, Rahaneweregone for ducks. Raina soon followed, India 8/3. Then came Kohli’s masterclass, one full of patience, perseverance, and maturity.
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Context: One of the highest scoring ODI series in memory. Although he was already scoring loads of runs earlier in the series, this chase was the best of them all.
Context: Test matches mean a lot more when the team wins. Although India lost 4-1 in THAT Sam Curran series, Kohli’s 97 & 103 ensured at least one win in the series.
Context: Among his plethora of centuries and fifties, this one is usually forgotten. After 31-2 with both Sehwag & Sachin back in the hut, Kohli & Gambhir’s steady 83-run partnership got India back in the game. Useful, impact knock.
20. 89*(47) vs West Indies, 2016 T20 World Cup Semi-Final
Format: India
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Context: Yet another one of Kohli’s ICC men T20 World Cup classic. After Rohit-Rahane 40s provided India a decent start, Kohli took the mantle to finish the innings off. From 50*(33) to 89*(47), but it was not meant to be.
Context: A Top-25 Kohli series should probably include one of his seven double centuries. A marathon 365 (673) partnership between Rahane & Kohli. NZ were out of the game in the first innings.
Context: A solid knock. India win against Pakistan via Kohil magic, a theme over the last decade. Better yet, India started the 2015 WC well and went onto play the semi-finals despite dismal preparations.
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Context: Known as the ‘Kedar Jadhav match’ who scored a 120 (76) from #6, Kohli held the innings together. From53-4, a 200-run partnership followed between the two before Pandya finished it off.
Context: Not all matches have a positive ending. Although India lost, Kohli dragged India close. The next best score was 40, and India lost by 24 runs.
Context:Things have to begin somewhere, don’t they? Virat’s maiden ODI ton, including a 224-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir. Rescued India in chase of 316 after they were 23-2 after 3.4 overs.A glimpse of greatness for years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions – Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in Each Format
Other Virat Kohli Content
What is Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in T20I Cricket?
Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in T20I cricket are as follows: 82* (52) vs Pakistan (2022 T20 World Cup), 82*(53) vs Australia (2016 T20 World Cup), 72*(44) (2014 T20 Worl Cup Semi-Final, 89* (47) vs West Indies (2016 T20 World Cup Semi-Final), and 49 (51) vs Pakistan (2016 Asia Cup).
What is Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in ODI Cricket?
Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in ODI cricket are as follows: 133*(86) vs Sri Lanka (2012), 100* (52) vs Australia (2013), 115*(66) vs Australia (2013), 160*(159) vs South Africa (2018), and 183*(146) vs Pakistan (2012).
What is Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in Test Cricket?
Virat Kohli’s Best Innings in Test cricket are as follows: 141 vs Australia (2013), 119 vs South Africa (2013), 169 vs Australia (2013), 149 vs England (2018), and 153 vs South Africa (2018).
The SA20 Auction caught everyone’s attention this week, which leads to the logical question, “What are the Richest Cricket Leagues, and where does SA20 league rank?” Here is a quick answer.
The Indian Premier League is the richest cricket league in the world. As per the 2022 Mega Auction & Retention, the IPL paid its players a whopping $116,339,000 combined for its 234 players who play for their ten franchise teams in a three-month season. The upcoming UAE International T20 & SA20 rank behind at #2 & #3 in terms of player salaries, while the Abu Dhabi T10 League is at #10 with a $2,500,000 combined salary for about 100 players.
Times are changing, T20 cricket is becoming infused with money, and different leagues are popping left and right. The SA20 Auction threw Tristan Stubbs and co into stardom, the UAE international T20 League will be a game changer, and the Big Bash is trying to attract overseas talent in their much-hyped Draft while keeping domestic stars like David Warner.
Richest Cricket Leagues (Lowest to Highest)
Players now have choices, but maybe too many choices.As many as six leagues are scheduled between November & February. That is a daunting stat.
So, in Part III of our new series, Cricket & Finances, we try to help these players out & distinguish which leagues pay their players the most. We also cover the minimum salaries, average wages, total team salary cap, number of players a league can take, and the window it occupies in the cricket calendar.
Make Sure to Read the Earlier Content on Cricket & Finances
How The Overall Cost Was Calculated:For leagues where all the information is public (like IPL auction player by player cost), each player’s cost was added for the total.For leagues where only partial information was available, thefranchise’s maximum purse/salary cap was multiplied by the number of teams in that particular league.
*Note: This article covers individual player salaries, not tournament prize money.
10. Abu Dhabi T10 League ($2,500,000)
Abu Dhabi T10 League Average Cricketer Salary:$25,000
Minimum Wage:$5,000
Maximum Amounts:$50,000-$100,000
*$50,000 is the minimum amount paid for the highest category of player in the draft. However, to attract certain cricketers, the actual amounts may be higher.
Calendar Window:November-December
Salary Cap Estimate (Per Team): $400,000-$600,000
Number of Teams: 6
Total Players: 100-110 (16-18 players per team)
9. Lanka Premier League ($3,000,000)
Lanka Premier League (LPL) Average Cricketer Salary:$30,000
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Average Cricketer Salary:$40,000
Minimum Wage:$5,555
Maximum Amounts:$77,000
Calendar Window:January-February
Salary Cap Estimate (Per Team): $700.000-$800,000
Number of Teams: 6
Total Players: 110-120 (18-20 per team)
*The BPL have suffered due to payments and franchise trouble in the last couple of years. In the earlier years, the BPL paid its foreign players up to $200,000 making it more lucrative than even the BBL. Now, the board has taken over the league instead of franchises.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) Average Cricketer Salary:$53,000
Minimum Wage:$5,000
Maximum Amounts:$170,000
Calendar Window:February-March
Salary Cap Estimate (Per Team): $950,000
Number of Teams: 6
Total Players: 108 (18 per team)
Ramiz Raza has proposed changing the current drafts system (Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Emerging categories) to the auction formatand increase thesalary cap from $950,000 to $1.5 million. Watch out for the PSL. This is a fast-rising league and will survive.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Average Cricketer Salary:$497,175
Minimum Wage:$26,000
Maximum Amounts:$2,133,000
Calendar Window:March-June
Salary Cap Estimate (Per Team): $11 Million (Rs. 90 crore)
Number of Teams: 10
Total Players: 234 (20-30 Per Team)
The mind-numbing thing to think about is that each IPL franchise has a larger salary cap space & auction purse is more than most other cricket leagues. Here are the details from the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
IPL 2022 Mega Auction (Average Cricketer Salary)
Royal Challengers Bangalore ($11, 785,000)
Auction: $ 7,386,000($388, 737 Average)
Retention: $ 4,399,000 ($1,466,333 Average)
Kolkata Knight Riders ($10,582,000)
Auction: $6,050,000 ($318, 421 Average)
Retention: $4,532,000 ($1,133,000 Average)
Punjab Kings ($11,198,000)
Auction: $9,065,000 ($412,045 Average)
Retention: $2,133,000 ($1,066,500 Average)
Chennai Super Kings ($11,596,000)
Auction: $5,997,000 ($285,571)
Retention: $5,599,000 ($1,399750)
Delhi Capitals ($11,508,000)
Auction: $6,309,000 ($315,350 Average)
Retention: $5,199,000 ($1,299,750 Average)
Rajasthan Royals ($11,862,000)
Auction: $8,130,000 ($ 387,143 Average)
Retention: $3,732,000 ($1,244,000 Average)
Mumbai Indians ($11, 977,000)
Auction: $ 6,378,000 ($303,714 Average)
Retention: $ 5,599,000 ($1,399,750 Average
Sunrisers Hyderabad ($11,977,000)
Auction: $ 9,045,000 ($452,250 Average)
Retention: $ 2,932,000 ($977,333.3 Average)
Lucknow Super Giants ($11,883,000)
Auction: $ 7,858,000 ($436,556)
Retention: $ 4,025,000 ($1,341,667)
Gujarat Titans ($11,971,000)
Auction: $ 6,905,000 ($345,250)
Retention: $5,066,000 ($1, 688, 667)
Final Thoughts: The IPL is now having considerable influence in T20 leagues around the world. The same business groups are now buying stakes in foreign franchise leagues. This includes teams like Trinbago Knight Riders, MI Cape Town, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, etc.
Which are the Richest Cricket Leagues in the World?
Which is the richest cricket league in the world?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world with an average player salary of $497,175.
What are the Top 5 richest cricket leagues in the world?
The Top 5 richest cricket leagues in the world (by average player salary) are the Indian Premier League (IPL), UAE International T20 League, SA T20 League, the Big Bash, and the Hundred.
How much money does each T20 league give their players?
T20 leagues contribute the following amount to their cricketers combined: 1. Indian Premier League ($116, 339,000) 2. UAE International T20 ($15,000,000) 3. SA T20 League ($13, 421, 200) 4. Big Bash League ($10,000,000) 5. The Hundred ($9,000,000) 6. Pakistan Super League ($5,700,000) 7. Bangladesh Premier League ($4,800,000) 8. Caribbean Premier League ($4,500,000) 9. Lanka Premier League ($3,000,000) 10. Abu Dhabi T10 League ($2,500,000) All prices above in $US Dollars.
How much money can a cricketer earn from each T20 league?
Average cricketer salaries per T20 league is as follows: 1. Indian Premier League ($497,175) 2. UAE International T20 ($138,889) 3. SA T20 League ($133,000) 4. Big Bash League ($75,000) 5. The Hundred ($75,000) 6. Pakistan Super League ($53,000) 7. Caribbean Premier League ($50,000) 8. Bangladesh Premier League ($40,000) 9. Lanka Premier League ($30,000) 10. Abu Dhabi T10 League ($25,000) All prices above in $US Dollars.
SA20 Auction gathered lots of attention around the world.
This was not like South Africa’s earlier failed attempts to a T20 league. Graeme Smith is at the head of the organization (league commissioner), the IPL groups own all the franchises, and there was even an auction in this one. This was actually quite an enthralling event to witness.
Big Takeaways & Highlights from SA20 Auction
Sri Lankan (most) players go unsold despite a stellar Asia Cup performance
MI Cape Town stay true to their franchise and get as many as six uncapped South African players
This was a proper T20 league auction. Not one where home grown players’ reputation was kept in thought. T20 captain Temba Bavuma, Test captain Dean Elgar, and Andile Phehlukwayo were all unsold.
Tristan Stubb’s profile skyrockets. From an injury replacement at Mumbai Indians to $519,000 price at the SA20 auction.
Just like the IPL, the auction propelled a few relatively unknown names in the bags of riches. In this case, it was Donavon Ferreira at $311,000.
Prior to the auction, each franchise could acquire the services of maximum five players – 1 South African (capped), 1 uncapped, and three overseas players.
MI Cape Town (owned by Mumbai Indians group): Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Sam Curran, Dewald Brevis (uncapped)
Durban Super Giants (owned by Lucknow Super Giants group): Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Reece Topley, Prenelan Subrayen (uncapped)
Base price -175,000 Rands ($10,000): Chris Wood, Duanne Olivier, Daryn Dupavillon
SA20 Auction Round 10 – The Nexxt
This was an express round for uncapped players.
Players
International Team
Franchise
Price Sold (South African Rands)
US Dollar Conversion
Jordan Cox
*Uncapped English player
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 325,000
$18,000
Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka
Durban Super Giants
R. 275,000
$c
List of Unsold Players in Round 9
Base price -175,000 Rands ($10,000): Andile Simelane, Tiaan van Vuuren, Jonathan Bird, Caleb Seleka, Matthew Boast, Bryce Parsons, Dunith Wellalage
SA20 Auction Round 11 – The eXXpress Auction
Players
International Team
Franchise
Price Sold (South African Rands)
US Dollar Conversion
Johnson Charles
West Indies
Durban Super Giants
R. 425,000
$24,000
Adam Rossington
*Uncapped English
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 425,000
$24,000
Nandre Burger
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Kings
R. 175,000
$10,000
Donavon Ferreira
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Kings
R. 5,500,000
$311,000
Matthew Breetzke
*Uncapped South African
Durban Super Giants
R. 175,000
$24,000
Mitchell van Buuren
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Wihan Lubbe
South Africa
Paarl Royals
R. 350,000
$20,000
Marco Marais
*Uncapped South African
Pretoria Capitals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Delano Potgieter
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Roelof van der Merwe
South Africa/Netherlands
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Marques Ackerman
*Uncapped South African
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Ferisco Adams
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 325,000
$18,000
Imraan Manack
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Christiaan Jonker
South Africa
Durban Super Giants
R. 175,000
$10,000
Evan Jones
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 1,700,000
$96,000
Malusi Siboto
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Kings
R. 175,000
$10,000
Ramon Simmonds
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
James Fuller
*Uncapped South African/New Zealand
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 425,000
$24,000
List of Unsold Players in Round 10
Base price – 850,000 Rands ($48,000): Adam Lyth
Base price: – 425,000 Rands ($24,000): Jeffrey Vandersay, Jake Lintott, Paul Walter, Tom Moores, Sam Cook, George Scrimshaw
Base price -175,000 Rands ($10,000): Grant Roelofsen, Glenton Stuurman, Mbulelo Budaza, Ziyaad Abrahams, Aya Gqamane, Steve Eskinaz, Diego Rosier, Khaya Zondo, Johan van Dyk, Pieter Malan, Dayyan Galiem, Henry Brookes, Farhaan Behardien, Pite van Biljon, Unmukt Chand, Bayers Swanepoel
SA20 Auction – Round 12 – The eXXpress Auction
Players
International Team
Franchise
Price Sold (South African Rands)
US Dollar Conversion
Odean Smith
West Indies
MI Cape Town
R. 1,700,000
$96,000
Jimmy Neesham
New Zealand
Pretoria Capitals
R. 3,600,000
$203,000
Eoin Morgan
England
Paarl Royals
R. 2,000,000
$113,000
Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka
Pretoria Capitals
R. 425,000
$24,000
Brydon Carse
England
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 425,000
$24,000
Sarel Erwee
South Africa
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Simon Harmer
South Africa
Joburg Super Kings
R. 200,000
$11,000
Wiaan Mulder
South Africa
Durban Super Giants
R. 1,900,000
$107,000
Caleb Seleka
*Uncapped South African
Joburg Super Giants
R. 175,000
$10,000
Daryn Dupavillon
South Africa
Pretoria Capitals
R. 1,700,000
$96,000
Ziyaad Abrahams
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Wesley Marshall
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Aya Gqamane
*Uncapped South African
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 175,000
$10,000
Codi Yusuf
*Uncapped South African
Paarl Royals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Olly Stone
England
MI Cape Town
R. 850,000
$48,000
Grant Roelofsen
*Uncapped South African
MI Cape Town
R. 175,000
$10,000
Shane Dadswell
*Uncapped South African
Pretoria Capitals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Eathan Bosch
*Uncapped South African
Pretoria Capitals
R. 175,000
$10,000
Tom Abell
*Uncapped English
Sunrisers Eastern Cape
R. 850,000
$48,000
Final List of Unsold Players in Round 12
Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Andile Phehlukwayo, Roston Chase, Craig Overton, Siyabonga Mahima, Thimas Kaber, Paul Walter, Sam Cook, Diego Rosier, Farhaan Behardein, Pieter Malan, Rahkeem Cornwall, Hardus Viljoen
Frequently Asked Questions – Get to Know the Players
Who is Junaid Dawood?
Junaid Dawood is a 25-year-old leg break bowler who plays domestic cricket in South Africa.
Who is Shaun von Berg?
Shaun von Berg is a South African bowling allrounder from South Africa.He is a 36-year-old cricketer who has played 124 first class matches and has taken 447 wickets. He was recently purchase by the Pretorius Capitals in the SA20 auction.
Does Ross Taylor still play cricket?
Even though Ross Taylor retired earlier in 2022, he still plays exhibition cricket. He played for the Road Safety series and was in the SA20 auction. He was unsold with base price at 850,000 Rands ($48,000).
Who is Nandre Burger?
Nandre Burger is a 27-year-old South African cricketer. He is a left-handed medium-fast bowling all-rounder.
Who is Donavon Ferreira?
Donavon Ferreira is a 24-year-old South African cricketer. He is a wicketkeeper from Pretoria. He was sold for 5,500,000 South African Rands ($311,000) in the SA20 Auction to Joburg Super Kings.
Who is Matthew Breetze?
Matthew Breetze is a 23-year-old South African cricketer who is a wicket-keeper from the Eastern Province.
Which team purchased Mitchell van Buren in the SA20 Auction?
Mitchell van Buuren, a 24-year-old legspinner from South African was purchased by the Paarl Royals.
Who is Wihan Lubbe?
Wihan Lubbe is a South African cricketer who has played 2 T20Is.
Was Unmukt Chand picked up the 2022 SA20 Auction?
No, Unmukt Chand, an U-19 World Cup winning captain from India who now plays for Team USA, was not picked up for SA20 Auction. His base price was 175,000 South Africa Rands.
Who are the captains in SA20 cricket league in South Africa?
Rashid Khan (MI Cape Town), Quinton de Kock (Durban Super Giants), Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Faf du Plessis (Joburg Super Kings), David Miller (Paarl Royals), and Wayne Parnell (Pretoria Capitals) are the six captains of the SA 20 franchise league.
How many foreign players can play in the XI in SA20?
Four foreign players can play in the XI at the same time in SA 20.
India is quietly growing its massive depth in cricket, which means there will always be a few unlucky Indian cricketers. Here is our Top 13 list as well as a list of cricketers at the bottom who only played 1-5 matches for India without being given more chances.
We have already done a list of 22 Unlucky Players of All Time. This is a list that only pertains to Indian cricketers who debuted for India.
All-rounder from Jammu & Kashmir, did not get to bat in his only ODI and 10-0-60-2. Waited 3 years for another chance and got picked for the T20I series vs England.
Run out for 5(6) and decent figures of 4-0-32-1. Never to play an international game again. 4 years and only 2 games where he did not have much of a chance to showcase his talent.
That match seem familiar? Not only was it Sachin Tendulkar’s last match in his 24-year career, it was also Pragyan Ojha’s last match in his five-year international career.
5/40 & 5/49 with a player of the match performance. Next thing you know, the Ashwin-Jadeja pair is tried out next season, and Ojha was never picked again. He was only 27 at that time (only 35 right now and doing commentary).
Batting at #4, top scored with 43 (37) and won the player of the match award in his only T20I. A poor ODI series meant his career ended 9 days later. 2 Tests (in SA), 7 ODIs, and 1 T20I only for the domestic giant (10245 runs, 54.49 average, 32 – 100s, 45 – 50s). Vital cog in CSK’s 2011 victory.
ODI debut: 9.2-0-56-3, T20I debut: 4-0-10-4, best T20I debut by an Indian.
Two days later, his second T20I & final match, 4-1-31-2.
Was picked after only 8 List A matches and performed well only to be dropped. Now doesn’t even get IPL gigs (net bowler for Gujarat Titans this year). With Khaleel Ahmed, Natarajan, and Arshdeep Singh in the scheme of things, it looks like the 29-year old has a tough road to a comeback and may have already played his last match.
A casualty of India’s bizarre chop and change policy between 2016-2019 in their quest to find a perfect #4 batter.
Debuting a year later than Virat Kohli & the first Indian to hit an IPL century, Pandey has never been able to do justice to his talent due to limited opportunities. It seemed that his time had come with a magnificent chase of 330, where he hit an unbeaten 104* at #6 to take India home.
An average of 44.31 in T20I with 3 fifties, more opportunities were expected, but it looks like that the time has passed.
104* (1 hundred, 1 fifty), but didn’t get anymore than his 12 ODIs and 1 T20I. Made frequent appearances for KKR but his forte was first class cricket – 9398 runs, 49.98 average, best of 303*, 29 hundreds, 39 fifties – and never played a single Test match. His ODI debut itself was delayed for more than a year after he suffered a shoulder injury on the eve of his potential ODI debut.
Also fascinating is the XI fielded in Tiwary’s last match – 8 out of these 11 can be considered ‘unlucky Indian cricketers,’ at least in limited overs cricket.
Although Kambli had a decent 104 match ODI career and was rightly axed after India collapsed for 54 in the Champions Trophy final, it was his Test career that perplexes me. 17 Tests, best of 227, 4 hundreds, 3 fifties, and yet he played his last Test at the age of 23.
Sachin Tendulkar would play, almost to the date, 18 years longer in his Test career.
More than Manish Pandey, Ambati Rayudu suffered the most & so did India as they crashed out of the 2019 ODI CWC semi-final.
A talent of his generation, ODI average of 47.05 (3 hundreds, 10 fifties) – he was unceremoniously dropped both before the 2015 ODI World Cup (after player of the series performance vs Zimbabwe) and the 2019 ODI World Cup.
His last 10 ODI scores were 24, 13*, 47, 40*, 0, 90, 13, 18, 2. Unlucky Indian cricketer at its finest.
Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup 😉😋..
Amit Mishra played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is, and he never looked out of sorts. With figures of 4-0-23-1 in his last T20I, 6-2-18-5 (player of the match & player of the series – 15 wickets) in his last ODI, we wonder how things could have been.
A domestic cricket giant with a couple of Test double centuries, he last played Test cricket atthe age of 30.
Most capped Ranji player, most runs, 57 hundreds, 91 fifties, average of 50.67. Played 20 of his 31 Tests in West Indies, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Australia. Maybe if we was given more chances at home…
Although Jayant Yadav recently played, it seems that was more because of injuries and COVID replacement.
Scoring a century at #9 and a handy offspinner, it seemed that he was bound for better things. However, he has ended with only 4 Tests & 1 ODI. With Ashwin, Jadeja, Chahal, Kuldeep, Bishnoi, Sundar, and Axar’s glorious Test debut, it seems that his international career is good as done.
1. Karun Nair
Last but not the least – Karun Nair. Someone who has scored a triple century definitely deserves a rope longer than 6 Test matches.
Notable Exclusion: Faiz Fazal (55* in his only ODI with a 126* partnership with KL Rahul), Shahbaz Nadeem (Rewarded for domestic performances but only played 2 Tests)
List of Indian Cricketers Who Only Played in 1-5 International Matches
What is our definition of the ‘unlucky cricketer’?
Only given 1-3 opportunities without much chances after
Dropped inexplicably even after a few good performances
Here is a list of several other unlucky Indian cricketers who deserve a mention – Only played between 1-5 matches. In some cases, did not even get to bat or ball. How can someone showcase talent in these limited opportunities? I am glad the current Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid lead management are giving each player a run and ‘allowing players to fail’ (i.e. players will get enough of a run. If they do not perform, then only will they be dropped).
In any case, most of the retired players are now prominent coaches or commentators.
Today we rank the best sport movies & documentaries.
Welcome to the “All of the Above” best sport movies, TV shows, & documentaries ranking list. We consider everything sports – drama films, biopics, sports documentaries, streaming platform content, Hollywood, Bollywood, English, Hindi, Spanish, American football, soccer, cricket, boxing, and more. Let’s cut to the chase.
The best sport movie of all time is Remember the Titans followed closely by the Blind Side, while Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run) makes the cut as the best Bollywood sports movie.
List of Best Sports Movies and Documentaries
Disclaimer: This list is based upon the movies I have watched so far, but here are some sports films on my watchlist.
Currently Watching: Man in the Arena (2021), Becoming Champions (2018), Welcome to Wrexham (2022)
American Football: Rudy (1993), Draft Day (2014), Concussion (2015), Safety (2020), American Underdog (2021), Hard Knocks (2022)
Baseball: 42 (2013), Eight Men Out (1988)
Basketball: White Men Can’t Jump (1992), Hoop Dreams (1994), The Way Back (2020), Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), Glory Road (2006)
Boxing: Raging Bull (1980), Ali (2001), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Irudu Suutru/Saala Khadoos (2016), Mukkabaaz (2017), Mike (2022)
Cricket: Chakda ‘Xpress (TBD), Kai Po Che
Field Hockey: Soorma (2018)
Golf: The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
Miscellaneous: ESPN 30 for 30 (ex: OJ: Made in America), Cool Runnings (1993), Kai Po Che (2013), I Tonya (2017), Free Solo (2018), Icarus (2017), Budhia Singh – Born to Run (2018), Saand ki Aankh (2019), The Way Back (2020), Saina (2021), 14 Peaks, Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Off (2022), Hawaa Hawaai (2014)
Racing: Rush (2013), Ford v Ferrari (2019), Schumacher (2021)
Rugby: Invictus (2009)
Soccer/Association Football: Escape to Victory (1981), Goal Trilogy (2005), The Damned United (2009), All or Nothing (Arsenal 2022, Tottenham Hotspurs, etc.), Diego Maradona (2019), Bigil (2019), Jaadugar (2022)
Tennis: Venus & Serena (2012), Borg vs McEnroe (2017), King Richard (2021), Serena (2022)
These will be added one by one to the ranking list once I have finished watching them.
59. Apne (2007)
Sport: Boxing
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
In the most literal sense, it is a family-driven boxing drama marred by false doping accusation.
58. Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Sports Drama/Rom-Com
Language: Hindi
Girl playing cricket by concealing her identity in an all-boys’ team. A bit of romance and of course, an India-Pakistan local club match as well.
57. Brothers (2015)/ Warriors (2011)
Sport: MMA (mixed martial arts)
Genre: Sports drama (fiction)
Language: Brothers (Hindi), Warriors (English)
Brothers is the official Bollywood remake of the 2011 American film, Warriors.
56. Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Documentary
Language: Hindi, English, Marathi
Documenting the journey of the greatest cricketer of all-time, the film explores the life behind the scenes and how he battled pressure while giving people hope. Great background music by AR Rahman as well.
55. Space Jam (1996)
Sport: Basketball
Genre: Sports fantasy, live-action & animation
Language: English
In the age of Marvel & Avengers, Space Jam looks like a joke in animation. Michael Jordan flying with Bugs Bunny and getting kidnapped in outer space isn’t exactly bingeworthy material, but if you are a sports fan, you have to watch it once in your life.Considered a classic.
54. Home Team (2022)
Sports: American Football
Genre: Comedy/Biography
Language: English
Where to Watch: Netflix
Any movie with Kevin James is bound to be funny. A college football star coach who was removed from duty due to an investigation goes on to coach his son’s middle school football team. A good watch.
53. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
Based on Indian captain MS Dhoni’s journey before he broke into stardom, the movie explores his family life, love angles, & early struggles. Late Sushant Singh Rajput did justice to the role, but the story & direction were a bit short.Good first half, but the story isn’t as tight in the second half. It did not help that the movie was released during the latter years of Dhoni’s career, before his retirement.
52. Sultan (2015)
Sport: Wrestling
Genre: Sports drama
Language: Hindi
Sultan is a fictional drama based on a couple who are both professional wrestlers and develop ego clashes along the way.
51. Azhar (2016)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Sports Drama, Biography
Language: Hindi
The movie explores the larger-than-life character of Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, and his interpretation of the 2000 match fixing scandal.
50. Welcome to Wrexham (2022)
Sport: Soccer
Genre: Documentary
Language: English (both American & British accents with a slight dose of Welsh)
Where to Watch: FX on Hulu
Imagine Deadpool’s actor Ryan Reynolds. Now imagine Rob McElhenney. Now imagine they randomly bought a fourth division team in Wales and try to resurrect it and promote it to the next level. Well, this is exactly what happened. Some humor, mostly reality, and a bit of soccer as well. Basically, Ted Lasso but in real-life.
*Note: I have only watched 5 episodes so far. This ranking is subject to change. 15 episodes will be released in total by the end of the season.
49. Becoming Champions (2018-)
Sport: Soccer/Association Football
Genre: Documentary Series
Language: Multiple Languages (Spanish, French, English, etc.)
Where to Watch: Netflix
The journeys of the 10 FIFA World Cup winners and how it all fit in the history of their respective countries. Good watch, but I have one complaint – there were a few World Cup clips, but not enough for a soccer documentary. Lots of newspaper cuttings instead.
48. Beyond the Boundary (2020)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Where to Watch: Netflix
This hour-long film documents the 2020 T20 World Cup – a watershed moment in women’s cricket. Watch it for the inspirational journey of Thailand and the India-Australia final.
47. Toofan (2021)
Sport: Boxing
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Amateur fighter turned boxer gets banned for five years due to corruption and attempts to make a comeback.
46. Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007)
Sport: Racing
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
A carefree star NASCAR drive whose life turns upside down after a life-threatening crash.
45. Soorma (2018)
Sport: Field Hockey
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Based on the true story of India’s drag flicker specialist, Sandeep Singh, this is an inspirational story of a comeback of from being shot and paralyzed.
44. 99 (2009)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Crime Comedy
Language: Hindi
Not quite a sports movie in its entirety, 99 is a fictional behind the scenes underworld account of the match-fixing & betting scandal that married the India-South Africa series.
43. Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes (2022)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Live through Ben Stokes’ ups and downs of his iconic career, rising from the lows of mental health break and grief to the captaincy of England cricket team.
42. Bandon Me Tha Dum (2022)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Where To Watch: Voot Select
Relive India’s dramatic victory in Australia in the players’ own words – featuring Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Vihari, Pujara, and Tim Paine himself.
Beautiful tribute to college basketball broadcaster, a former coach, and the face/voice of ESPN—Dick Vitale.
40. Toolsidas Junior (2022)
Sport: Snooker
Genre: ‘Coming of age’ Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Vowed to avenge his father’s defeat in a local club’s snooker competition, the young son goesout of his way to learn the game and enters the contest. Nice, cute movie.
39. Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)
Sport: Soccer
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Set in Southall, a predominantly South Asian community in the UK, a club overcomes their differences and comes together to play a tournament and save it from being demolished.
Sharman Joshi shines as a middle-class man trying to come up with some money so he can send his talented son for a camp at the majestic Lord’s cricket ground.
36. Chhalaang (2020)
Sports: Multi-sports
Genre: Sports Drama/Comedy
Language: English
A sports film from the coach’s point of view. Funny and entertaining throughout.
35. Gold (2018)
Sport: Field Hockey
Genre: Historical Drama (based on true story)
Language: Hindi
On the backdrop of the Partition, the movie explores one of the all-time great field hockey teams disrupted by the separation of British India into current cay India & Pakistan.
34. 83 (2021)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
Where to Watch: Netflix
Well directed movie on Kapil Dev’s unlikely 1983 World Cup movie. Ranveer Singh and co do justice to their roles.
It is a story of two girls daring to play soccer against societal pressure. Very nicely done comedy sports film.
32. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
Sports: Track & Field
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Story of two competing colleges in a sport tournament—A classic.
31. Jersey (2022)/Jersey (2018)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Telugu (original 2018)/ Hindi (2022 – official remake
Where to Watch: Netflix
Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Jersey is a fictional yet emotional movie based on a father’s drive to fight societal & physical for the sake of his son.The Pankaj Kapur & Shahid Kapoor starrer was a 2022 Hindi remake of the 2018 Telugu film.
Never before seen scenes of camera in Justin Langer’s new Australiadressing room as Australia try to recover from the sandpaper gate scandal.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
29. Safety (2020)
Sport: College Football
Genre: Biographical Drama
Language: English
As much as it is about football, this movie is about two brothers and a community coming together. Based on the true story of Ray McElrathbey and Clemson University. If you have time, this is a nice watch.
Where to Watch: Disney+
28. Coach Carter (2005)
Sports: Basketball (High School)
Genre: Biography
Language: English
Where to Watch: Netflix
An inspiring true story about a coach who halted an entire school system to make sure his basketball players became all-round students and go to college.
27. Rise (2022)
Sports: Basketball
Genre: Biography
Language: English
Where to Watch: Disney+ESPN
A movie about family & sports on the true story of the Antetokounmpo brothers – Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas from Nigeria to Greece to the NBA.
26. The Skater Girl (2021)
Sports: Skating
Genre: ‘Coming of age’ Sports Drama
Language: Hindi/English
Where to Watch: Netflix
Inspirational story that shows how one person can have an immense impact in someone else’s lifeif they have the support & resources. In this case, a skateboard changes a young girl’s lifewho now dares to dream.
25. Kaun Pravin Tambe? (2022)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
One of the most underrated inspirational stories of a man who never gave up and finally received recognition and opportunities at the age of 41.
Mark Wahlberg plays the role of real-life inspiration of Vince Papale, who ends up playing for the Philadelphia Eagles at the age of 30 without having a professional background in the sport. A story of hope, realizing dreams, and friendship.
23. The Mighty Ducks: Game Changer (2021-)
Sport: Ice Hockey
Genre: Series
Language: English
Where to Watch: Disney+
Nothing better than a group of misfits coming together as an underdog team. Great life lessons in this one and funny as well.
22. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
Sport: Track & Field (Steeplechase)
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
Interesting twist of tale of a national level sportsman turned a rebel dacoit.
21. They Call Me Magic (2022)
Sport: Basketball
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Where to Watch:Apple TV
Brilliant documentary on one of the greatest American athletes of all time, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Jr. This documentary is as much about basketball as it is about HIV/AIDS awareness, the city of Los Angeles, the Black community, and life of a businessman.
20. Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Sport: Soccer
Genre: Sports Comedy
Language: Cantonese/English (dubbed)
You know what’s better than Kung Fu or soccer? How about Kung Fu in a soccer match. Add an ounce of comedy as well.
19. Shabaash Mithu (2022)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
Inspirational story about women’s cricket in India.Not only is Mithali Raj’s journey well captured, but also the growth in Indian women’s cricket (and in the mindset of the general public) from the 90’s to the 2017 ODI Cricket World Cup.
Fictional story of Marvyn Korn, a star college basketball coach, who loses everything due to anger management issues. The TV series is about how he finds himself learning the important things in life and building relationships while coaching high school girls.
17. The Longest Yard (2005)/(1974)
Sport: American football
Genre: Sports Comedy
Language: English
The remake of the 1974 film, the 2005 version is a star cast of Adam Sandler, the Great Khali, Terry Crews, and Chris Rock. This comedy movie revolves around a football match between prisoners and guards for a reduced jail sentence.
16. Mary Kom (2014)
Sport: Boxing
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
Priyanka Chopra nails her role in the true story of Olympic medal winner, Mary Kom.
15. Hustle (2022)
Sport: Basketball
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: English
Where to Watch: Netflix
Adam Sandler at his best (in a serious role, yes really). Scouting a 22-year-old basketball talent from Spain, he does his all to get him to the NBA draft, even if it means to fight against all odds. Inspirational. Must watch.
14. Man in the Arena: Tom Brady (2021-)
Sport: American Football
Genre: Documentary (TV Series)
Language: English
Where to Watch: ESPN+/Hulu
Documentary on the rise of Tom Brady. Champions are not made in a day. They are made with relentless efforts over the decades.
13. Dangal (2016)
Sport: Wrestling
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
The highest grossing Indian movie of all-time depicting the story of Mahavir Phogat and his daughters.
Movies In this series: Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), Rocky Balboa (2006), Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), Creed III (2023)
11. Chak De India (2007)
Sport: Field Hockey
Genre: Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Chak De has all the ingredients of a hit sports movie – Disappointment, despair, comeback, teamwork, friendship, fights, joy, and of course, good music.
10. Iqbal (2005)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: ‘Coming of Age’ Sports Drama
Language: Hindi
Depicting a deaf and mute aspirational cricketer trying to balance poverty and cricket dreams, Shreyas Talpade plays his debut role to perfection.
9. The Karate Kid Series (1984, 1986, 1989, 1994, 2010)
Sport: Martial Arts
Genre: ‘Coming of Age’ Sports Drama
Language: English
Center to any sport is the relationship between the teacher and the student. No movie does this better as Mr. Miyagi and Daniel LeRusso. The sequels and Jackie Chan’s reboot are also pretty good (and now has the Netflix series – Cobra Kai).
8. Lagaan (2001)
Sport: Cricket
Genre: Historical Sports Drama
Language: Hindi/English
One of the greatest movie of Indian cinema, Lagaan is a fictional cricket match between Britishers and Indian colonists (who do not know the sport) in exchange for reduced tax.
7. Forrest Gump (1994)/Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
Sport: Ping Pong (table tennis)/American Football
Genre: Sports Comedy
Language: English/Hindi (official remake)
Although not officially a sports movie, there are several sporty elements to Forrest Gump, All American college football, national level ping pong champion, and even ran across America.
6. The Last Dance (2020)
Sport: Basketball
Genre: Docuseries
Language: English
Where To Watch: ESPN+, Netflix
Relive the ups and downs of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, and Dennis Rodman’s career in Phil Jackson’s Chicago Bull’ssix-peat victory and their final breakup.
5. Ted Lasso (2020-)
Sport: Soccer
Genre: Sports Comedy
Language: English (American & British)
Where to Watch: Apple TV
One of the most inspirational comedy shows in recent times.Comedy, drama, team spirit, mental health issues, and a bit of relegation-promotion soccer drama – this series has it all. Here’s my favorite scene from Ted Lasso
“Be Curious, Not Judgmental”
4. Moneyball (2011)
Sport: Baseball
Genre: Sports Drama (based on a true story)
Language: English
Not many books and movies can say they have had as much of a dramatic effect as Moneyball did. Data and statistics have changed sports all around the world, thanks toBilly Beane’s revolution at Oakland.
3. The Blind Side (2009)
Sport: American football
Genre: ‘Coming of Age’ Biography
Language: English
This movie is as much a sport movie as it is a film about a mother and a son.The film depicts ‘Big Mike’Michael Oher’s journey from povertyto the NFL via adoption into the Tuohy family. Sandra Bullock gives a performance of the generation by her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.
2. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Sport: Track & Field (400 m)
Genre: Biography
Language: Hindi
The movie that began Bollywood’s obsession with biopics. Farhan Akthar’s stupendous transformation into Milkha Singh’s character is breathtaking. No other Indian sports movie has been able to match the direction, story, and filming of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
1. Remember the Titans
Sport: American football
Genre: Biography
Language: English
And Remember the Titans is #1 on our Best Sport Movie & Documentaries list. Based on a true story, high school football becomes central in racial integration. There was conflict, tension, inspiration, and happiness. Here are some of the inspirational moments from the movie.Denzel Washington at his absolute best.
****
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Sports Movies & Documentaries
What is the best sports movie of all time?
Remember the Titans has to be the best sports movie of all time, followed closely by, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the best Bollywood biopic of all time.
Who is Anil Mehta?
Anil Mehta is a cinematographer, famous for his contributions to India sports films like Lagaan and Jersey.
What are the best new 2022 sport movies and documentaries?
Hustle, Shabaash Mithu, They Call Me Magic, Bandho Ma Tha Dum, Kaun Pravin Tambe, and Welcome to Wrexham are some of the best 2022 sports movies & documentaries (across languages and genres).
What are the best cricket movies and documentaries?
Lagaan, Iqbal, Shabaash Mithu, Kaun Pravin Tambe, The Test, Jersey, 83, Ferrari Ki Sawari, Bad Sport, Bandhon Mein Tha Dum, Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes, 99, Beyond the Boundary, Azhar, MS Dhoni, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sachin Tendulkar: A Billion Dreams, and Dil Bole Hadippa are the best cricket movies and documentaries of all time.
What are the best movies to watch on Netflix in 2022?
Hustle, The Skater Girl, Coach Carter, Jersey, 83, Bad Sport, Beyond the Boundary, Becoming Champions, and Home Team are some of the best sports films to watch in Netflix in 2022 and 2023.
Should Virat Kohli…be in India’s T20 World Cup squad? Should he not? The burning question in every Indian fan’s mind. Rohit Sharma is getting increasingly annoyed with every press conference (Here are his conferences after the 1st ODI and 2nd ODI vs England).
Virat Kohli has now been rested for the West Indies 5-match T20I series. India’s series against South Africa and Ireland gave a hint of India’s new aggressive gameplay and how the future might look without Kohli. These five games against the West Indies will make it clear, can India survive without Virat Kohli?
Here is my take—Virat Kohli should be in the Indian T20 World Cup squad but as a floater, not the #3 batter.
What are the Pros of Having Virat Kohli in India’s T20 World Cup Squad?
Several international players have come to Virat Kohli’s defense. Rohit Sharma reiterated that even though each player suffers from ups and downs in his or her career, the player’s quality never reduces. Here are some other reasons why a player like Virat Kohli might be valuable in a T20 World Cup.
Experience matters in a World Cup
Great record across formats in Australia consistently for the past 14 years
Player of the tournament in 2014/2016 T20 World Cups. Single handedly carried India.
Although IPL record is poor, his recent T20I stats have been pretty decent
Virat Kohli’s T20I Stats Since December 2020 (Post-Pandemic Break)
One of the misconceptions from Virat Kohli’s bad form is due to all formats getting mixed – Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL. He has horrid IPL seasons and been found out at the Test level at times as well, but in ODIs and T20Is, he has been pretty solid.
In summary, since Dec 2020, Virat Kohli in T20Is has stats:
17 matches, 15 innings, 514 runs, 46.72 average, 134.55 SR, best of 85, 6 fifties, 1 duck
Here are his overall career T20I stats:
99 matches, 91 innings, 3308 runs, 50.12 average, 137.66 SR, best of 94*, 30 fifties, 3 ducks
What are the Cons of Having Virat Kohli in India’s T20 World Cup Squad?
Now that we have discussed some of the positives, now let us discuss what is on everybody’s mind. Kapil Dev, Venkatesh Prasad, and lots of other cricketers have asked for players to be picked on form and merit, not reputation.
So, is there a way to fitting Virat Kohli in the squad while considering both of these things?
The answer is YES. Virat Kohli can play a similar role to what Steve Smith played during Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory run.
Possible Scenarios for Virat Kohli
Since India are going with an ultra-aggressive batting approach, there will be volatile days when the team may collapse. Going for 225 everyday, the team might end up collapsing for a score below 100.
In this case, a Grant Elliot-esque insurance policy is needed. For India, Virat Kohli can be that insurance policy (In the current setup, either Dinesh Karthik comes in earlier to do this role or Axar Patel has been sent to delay DK’s entry. In both cases, India lost momentum. Virat Kohli instead of Axar Patel would be the ideal scenario)
Here are some get possible scenarios:
If openers have a blazing start, send in Sanju Samson-Suryakumar Yadav-Hardik Pandya, etc. depending on the situation/number of overs left. Push Virat Kohli down the order until absolutely necessary.
If an opener gets out early, still send Suryakumar Yadav in hoping he will continue the positive approach. However, if another wicket falls during this tricky phase, send Virat Kohli at #4 to stem the flow of wickets.
While chasing, if it is a tricky small run-chase in difficult batting conditions, send Virat Kohli at #3.
Another option is to carry him in the World Cup squad without playing him in the XI. In case another batter is horridly out of form during the World Cup or gets injured, Virat Kohli can adapt to whatever role is necessary.
In this way, India will still be utilizing Virat Kohli’s core skills and experience rather than expecting him to be India’s modern T20 #3 batter.
Final Thoughts
Rohit Sharma made it clear in his press conference that each player will be given confidence, especially since India are trying to play with a new approach. Failures will happen, but judgements should not be made based on one or two series.
Based on his recent IPL stats, Kohli should not make it. Based on his recent T20I stats, he should be in contention for the World Cup, but not necessarily a certainty. But based on captain Rohit Sharma’s statements, Virat Kohli will be on that plane to Australia and more than likely, in the XI. So, why not give him our full support as fans?
These were my two cents. I have presented you with both perspectives. What do you think? Which side are you on?
Here is the Quora article that instigated this idea.
The entire list of 360 degree players is as follows:
AB De Villiers
Kevin Pietersen
Glenn Maxwell
Jos Buttler
Suryakumar Yadav
Dinesh Karthik
Glenn Phillips
The next generation of cricketers will add to this list, I am sure.
What is a 360 Player?
A 360-degree player is someone who utilizes each and every open area of the cricket ground. Traditionally, cricketers have been trained to play in the V, but due to limited overs cricket, the run scoring areas has expanded.
Suryakumar Yadav has shown that even though he was built with traditional cricket training (as can be seen from those perfect straight drives and classic shots), he has a lot more shots.
What shots of Suryakumar Yadav make him unique?
He has three shots that sets him apart:
The sweep — Most modern day cricketers have the sweep shot, but what sets SKY apart is his range. Due to his beautiful wrist work, he can hit the ball anywhere from Deep Mid Wicket to Deep Square to Fine Leg behind the 45.
The swipe — This swipe shot is something indescribable by the human eye. Most cases, it is used to hit a fast bowler over Square Leg for six. However, as seen in his marvelous 117 (55) vs England in 2022, he utilized this shot to great effect. One shot, in particular, caught my eye. He swiped the ball behind his leg and guided it almost straight behind Jos Buttler’s (WK) head for a one bounce four he
The inside out shot — Another shot that has become a Suryakumar Yadav trademark. This can be employed against both spin and pace. As seen once again during that 117, he has perfected this shot. He hit an inside-out shot behind 3rd man for a majestic boundary!
The Pull — Suryakumar Yadav began his career with a first ball pull over Fine Leg. Usually, boundaries here a bit shorter, and the fact that he can almost choose where to hit it makes him an effective 360 degree player.
And not only can he hit these wristy tricky shots, he can also play the classic straight drives. Another one of his shots that caught my eye during his incredible innings was that straight six with a little dance move. Here is highlights of his innings. If you have watched it once or twice, I request y’all to watch this innings again because it was that good.
Can Suryakumar Yadav Keep It Going?
There is no doubt that Suryakumar Yadav is in the form of his life.
These are just some of the many shots that help SKY cover what was once thought the unreachable areas of the ground. I hope he continues improving and stays in immaculate touch at the international level.
He has had to wait his time, but we have seen his gradual evolution from a finisher at KKR to a complete middle order batter at Mumbai Indians.
Surya did not receive his international cap as early as he should have, but he is making every innings count at the international level. That 117, with 14 fours and 6 sixes was a coming of age for him, and I just hope for the best for him going forward.
