Suraj Mishra

Suraj Mishra, born on 24th September 1987, in the cricket-passionate town of Kanpur, India, embarked on his cricketing odyssey with dreams larger than the fields he played on. It was evident from a young age that Suraj was preordained for the cricketing world, his love for the game ignited by watching local matches and fuelled by impromptu games in the narrow lanes of his neighbourhood.

Suraj's journey from alleyways to stadiums began in earnest at the age of 14, when he joined a local cricket academy. Here, his adeptness at bowling quickly caught the eye of coaches who noted his natural flair for swinging the ball both ways. His teenage years were spent honing this talent, developing an arsenal of deliveries that would later baffle batsmen across the world.

Suraj made his professional debut for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, where his performances were nothing short of sensational. His ability to adapt in any batting and bowling situation made him a formidable player. Known for his versatile bowling skills, especially his knack for reverse swing in clutch moments, Suraj quickly became a linchpin of his side. This rise through the ranks eventually led to his highly anticipated debut on the international stage for the Indian national team.

A hallmark of Mishra's career has been his extraordinary performances in high-pressure situations. Perhaps one of the most memorable was the 2015 series against Australia, where he delivered a match-winning spell in the third Test, securing an unexpected victory and carving his name into Indian cricket folklore. This victory not only underscored his bowling prowess but also cemented a fierce and exhilarating rivalry with Australian batsmen, particularly with opener David Warner, which fans relished season after season.

Suraj's adaptability isn't restricted to just his bowling; his batting, though not renowned, has seen him play crucial knocks, standing resilient during tough lower-order partnerships. It is this ability to contribute across roles — blending aggression with caution — that has rendered him an invaluable asset to his teams.

Beyond personal records, of which there are many, including reaching 250 international wickets in record time, Suraj has played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2016, exhibiting calmness under pressure that resonated with millions watching back home.

Suraj Mishra remains a cricketing enigma of sorts, his name eternally etched in the annals of the sport as a player whose love for the game never waned, whose spirit never dimmed, and whose impact will be remembered long after the echoes of his last delivery fade away.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats