IPL Season 3 is half way through and Sachin’s Indians are ruling the roost. Mumbai Indians are proving to be an insurmountable opposition for the rest of the 7 teams.A few days back two new franchises were announced who would be playing in the next edition of IPL T20 league. Sahara Group had the highest bidding for 3 cities – Nagpur, Pune and Ahmadabad but eventually they chose Pune over the other two. But you can’t keep Nagpur and Nagpurians away from Cricket, Can you? Nagpur will be hosting three IPL 2010 matches at VCA Jamtha Stadium as home ground to Deccan Chargers.
Faiz Fazal Umesh Yadav
Faiz Fazal
Faiz Fazal, a feisty left handed batsman, has played 4 matches till date for Rajasthan Royals and scored 101 runs with a strike rate of 112. This includes match winning 45 runs in 38 balls against Kings XI Punjab. He has also taken 4 catches. This 24 year old is proving to be an important member of Rajasthan Royal squad. Back in 2004, he was regarded as one of the most promising batsmen in the country. He made it to the Indian Under-19 squad but could not play owing to a fractured thumb. Fazal has since not lived up to the huge expectations from him. Earlier this season Fazal moved to Railways from Vidarbha. This he believes will catapult him into the top league.
Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav is a just 22 years old, but this lanky medium pacer can generate good pace , about 140 kmph, consistently. He is very consistent with his performance till date, scalping 4 wickets in 3 matches with an average nearing 7.5 runs per over which is good as far as T20 cricket is concerned. He was also involved in getting Rahul Dravid run out in their crucial match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Umesh Yadav is turning out to be special weapon for Delhi Daredevils arsenal. His 140 Kmph bouncers can really trouble established batsmen. He recently took five wickets playing for the Central Zone including the prized scalps of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid. With some experience, he could well be among the names that will be spoken of highly in the coming years.
Here's wishing luck to the Nagpur's talent & hope they continue to shine for India & make us proud!
Author: Abhijit Ranade
