Gujarat’s young left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai has etched his name into the annals of cricket history. During the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad, Desai achieved a remarkable feat by taking nine wickets for just 36 runs in 15 overs. This performance not only secured a crucial victory for Gujarat but also set a new record for the best bowling figures in an innings by a Gujarat cricketer in first-class cricket.
Who Is Siddharth Desai?
Born on August 16, 2000, Siddharth Desai is no ordinary slow left-arm spinner. He burst onto the domestic cricket scene with a bang, making his first-class debut for Gujarat in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy. On his debut, he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings and was awarded the Player of the Match, setting the tone for a promising career.
Asia Cup Star In The Making
Desai’s rise to prominence was swift. In October 2018, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, capturing an impressive 18 wickets in just five matches. This performance marked him as one of India’s most promising young spinners. He continued to impress, becoming Gujarat’s top wicket-taker during the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy group stage with 23 wickets in six matches. His consistent form earned him a spot in India’s squad for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in both 2018 and 2019.
Breaking Records And Making History
Desai’s recent performance against Uttarakhand was nothing short of phenomenal. His figures of 9/36 eclipsed the previous best for Gujarat, surpassing a long-standing record. The match saw Uttarakhand’s innings collapse for a mere 111 runs, with Desai’s bowling proving almost unplayable. Although he narrowly missed becoming the fourth bowler in the Ranji Trophy’s history to take all 10 wickets in an innings, his achievement has cemented his place in Gujarat’s cricketing history.
Career Highlights
- First-Class Debut: Made his debut for Gujarat in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy, taking a five-wicket haul and winning the Player of the Match award.
- ACC Under-19 Asia Cup: Led the wicket-takers with 18 dismissals in five matches in 2018.
- Ranji Trophy Performance: Took 23 wickets in six matches during the 2018–19 season.
- Recent Record: Achieved the best bowling figures in an innings for Gujarat with 9/36 against Uttarakhand.
Siddharth Desai’s impressive career trajectory is a clear reflection of his unwavering commitment and exceptional talent, positioning him as a promising figure in Indian cricket for the foreseeable future.
