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If you know the context of his comeback, you would find this spell even more fascinating.
Thread
1/n https://twitter.com/SwitchHit_/status/1304282595388092418
Thread
1/n https://twitter.com/SwitchHit_/status/1304282595388092418
This is the first limited overs series for World T20 champs India.. like you expect from that ruthless Australian side, they just came hard against us after SF exit. India were 0-2 down (one was washout where Aus scored 307), Leading spinners Powar/Bhajji wicketless in 3 matches.
Out of nowhere Murali Kartik (who was working with Neo in first 3 matches) got a recall & immediately drafted into XI & guess what? India managed to restrict mighty Aussies.. Bhajji-Kartik combo played a decent hand.. Then This Mumbai game happened in last match of the series
Where he not only produced best ever figures by left arm spinner but his partnership with Zaheer gave us a 2000s version of Srinath-Kumble moment.. but story doesn't end here.
Played one more match... Dropped from XI.
Played 3 more matches (after Mumbai ODI).. Dropped forever.
Played one more match... Dropped from XI.
Played 3 more matches (after Mumbai ODI).. Dropped forever.
If you think his ODI story is bit unfortunate, then Test cricket has its own version..
We all remember his heroics in Mumbai Test against Aus 2004. How many matches did he play after that match? ONE... Yes just one!
We all remember his heroics in Mumbai Test against Aus 2004. How many matches did he play after that match? ONE... Yes just one!
In that one test, captain asked him to bowl restrictive line (over the wicket into pads) so that other two spinners can attack from other end. Figures 42-12-76-0 clearly tells a story..
Not to forget before Mumbai Test he outbowled every other spinner in *that* Nagpur pitch.
Not to forget before Mumbai Test he outbowled every other spinner in *that* Nagpur pitch.
Many people say he was unlucky to be in Kumble-Bhajji era. I feel he could have been given a go even after Kumble's retirement when he was taking heaps of wickets in domestic & county cricket. That beautiful classical action + lovely drift deserves at least 300 Test wkts.
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