Kirsten emphasises senior cricketers’ utility

Peninsula On-lineKirsten emphasises senior cricketers’ utility

Gulf TimesAfter IPL, Indian players make smooth shift to ODIs

Gulf TimesAfter IPL, Indian players make smooth shift to ODIs

IRFAN PATHAN

Irfan Pathan Full name Irfan Khan Pathan Born October 27, 1984, Baroda, Gujarat Major teams India, Baroda, Middlesex Batting style Left-hand bat Bowling Style Left-arm medium-fast

When Irfan Pathan debuted for India at the young age of 18, he was compared with Kapil Dev. This was a very valid comparison as Pathan had the uncanny ability to pick up wickets and swing the ball on both sides of the wicket. He was noticed in the Under 19 World Cup where he was particularly successful and picked in the national squad for the 2003 Australian tour. He proved his talent and announced his arrival in style. His ODI debut followed soon, and he emerged as India's strike bowler. Pathan is the only bowler in Test cricket history to have taken a hat trick in the first over of a match. He achieved this feat in the third Test against Pakistan in Karachi in early 2006. Apart from his brilliant bowling, Pathan has also proved to be a very handy batsman. He has chipped in with the bat when required, and that he is not just a pinch hitter can be determined by the fact that he has batted at number three and even opened the batting for India on a few occasions. He has magnificent scores like 83 and 93 to his name. However, it won't be unfair to say that too much is expected out of this young player, who has of late showed some signs of fatigue. Maybe it would do good if Pathan was relieved of some expectations. He is one of the brightest young stars of world cricket today and a real treasure for India. He will surely go a long way and topple records all along. Cricketscorelive.com provides the profile of Irfan Pathan and other cricketers around the world.

Sachin Tendulkar

Demigod to millions of cricket fans around the world, Sachin Tendulkar is perhaps the greatest batsman the world has seen after the great Sir Don Bradman. Playing international cricket from age 16, breaking and setting records all along, Sachin Tendulkar is indeed a gift to the cricketing world. From being a child prodigy who made a century on first class debut to becoming the player to score the most number of international centuries, Sachin Tendulkar has done it all. He made his debut against Pakistan in 1989 and has since played 132 Tests and 363 ODIs and has averages of 55 and 44 respectively. He has scored 74 international centuries which is more than anyone else. He is also only the second Indian to score 10,000 runs in Tests.

Sachin Tendulkar was made captain of India in 1996 but found the job unsuitable and resigned in 1998, only to be appointed captain once again in 1999-2000. This time also he resigned and Sourav Ganguly was made the new skipper. This is perhaps one of the few achievements that has eluded Tendulkar-leading the side successfully. However once free from the additional responsibilities, Sachin went back to his brilliant form and continued to pile up runs. Mentally strong and a very deep thinking cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar is a master of the game. Apart from his blistering batting, he can also bowl and has often bowled the side to victory. He is a complete team man, unassuming and selfless. This was specially highlighted when he returned to join the team in England during the 1999 World Cup after the sad demise of his father.

With still some years of cricket left in him, Sachin Tendulkar will only further establish his rock solid position in cricket and keep entertaining and amazing fans all over. Cricketscorelive.com provides the profile of Sachin Tendulkar and other cricketers around the world.