Australia have made an unexpected decision, opting to call up Tanveer Sangha for their upcoming Champions Trophy semi-final against India. In light of the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai, they are taking a chance on the talented young leg-spinner.
Tanveer Sangha, born on 26 November 2001, has a natural talent for leg-spin. He quickly made a name for himself as Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, taking a total of 15 wickets with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Soon after, he continued to showcase his skills in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Thunder, leaving batters at his mercy.
His debut in the 2020 BBL season left a lasting impression. He made his mark by taking two wickets for 26 runs against Melbourne Stars, catching everyone’s attention. Throughout the tournament, he continued to excel with 21 wickets and an economy rate of 8.04, making him the top-performing spinner of the season.
Sangha’s parents, Joga Singh and Upjeet Kaur, have always been supportive of their son’s cricketing aspirations. Despite coming from humble beginnings in Punjab, India, Joga moved to Sydney and became a taxi driver while Upjeet pursued a career as an accountant. They never wavered in their support for Sangha’s dream.
Sangha quickly rose through the ranks, making his debut with Australia’s T20I squad against New Zealand at the young age of 19 in 2021. His impressive debut against South Africa in August 2023 included taking down 4/31, marking it as Australia’s best T20I debut performance in almost twenty years.
Australia required a spin choice
Dubai’s pitches are known for their grip and turn, making Sangha a valuable asset to Australia’s strategy. He possesses a range of variations and is not hesitant to toss the ball up. Such qualities make him an ideal bowler for high-pressure situations.
While Sangha has proven himself at this level, the upcoming semi-final against India will undoubtedly be his toughest test yet. Will he be able to keep his composure against top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Can he outsmart India’s renowned batting lineup in the IND vs AUS Champions Trophy semi-final? One thing is certain: Tanveer Sangha is a rising star whose name will continue to gain recognition in the coming years.
