Iqbal Abdulla - An outstanding performance by a future star for India

Iqbal Abdulla

It was simply an amazing performance from Iqbal Abdulla in the Ranji Trophy today. The all rounder from Mumbai has not only taken eleven wickets against Gujarat at Valsad (6 for 42 and 5 for 44), but has also contributed substantially with his bat by scoring a total of 68 very important runs (30 and 38).With his all out efforts, Mumbai has reached the quarter Final round of Ranji trophy.

Let us have a quick check on the profile of this promising all rounder. Sayed Iqbal Abdulla is a left hand bat and slow left arm orthodox bowler , who can fit in the role of a much needed all rounder for India. Originally, he belongs to Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh.

The stats show this young man possesses the necessary ingredients of a versatile cricketer. He just needs to be nourished under professional guidance. With the required level of exposure, he might be able to fill the void of an efficient and trustworthy all rounder. So far he has played 39 first class matches wherein he has taken 122 wickets with a fairly good average of 28.54. Likewise, in the 39 first class matches, he has scored a total of 1134 runs at a reasonable average of 30.64 runs. He is known to be an excellent fielder with a tremendous fitness level. He is a much disciplined cricketer, who believes in vigorous practice. He has got a “never give up” attitude. Also, he times his shots well and effectively utilizes his foot work.

As far as his exposure is concerned, he has already played for India A, India under 19, Kolkata knight riders and of course Mumbai. In the Ranji Trophy season 2010 2011, he became the bowler with the most number of wickets for Mumbai (27 wickets with the average of 22.11).Iqbal Abdulla came to the lime light when he took 5 wickets for just 10 runs in a T20 match against Haryana. Thereafter, while playing for India Under 19 in a tri series in Sri Lanka, he got 8 wickets for 69 runs in 31.1 overs and became the third highest wicket taker.

His performance in the IPL has also been excellent. He got a Man of the match award in IPL season 2011 and also got the rising star award for the tournament. He has also won a man of the series award, while playing in the Emerging player tournament in Australia in the year 2011.

Thus, as far as his numbers are concerned, there seems to be no dearth of talent in this emerging young man. All we need to do is to ensure his grooming under the capable guidance of professionals. We do hope that he will become a dependable and trustworthy all rounder in the long run.