Sunil Patel

Sunil Patel, born on the 22nd of May, 1984, emerged on the cricketing scene with an agile flair and an indomitable spirit that was noticed from his early years. Raised in the cricket-loving suburbs of Leicester, Sunil’s journey began with local club matches where his quick reflexes behind the stumps caught the eye long before he donned the gloves on the professional stage. His education on the game was as much about absorbing the rich cricketing traditions of his community as honing his own raw, untameable talent.

Patel made his first-class debut for Leicestershire County Cricket Club at the age of 20, in a match that was forgettable for many but proved to be a cornerstone for him. His career progressed as he firmly established himself as a quintessential wicketkeeper, known for his lightning-fast stumpings and athletic diving efforts. Batting right-handed, his style however was gritty rather than flamboyant, marked more by resolve than flair. He carved out a reputation for being the side’s crisis man, the rock steadying many an unsteady innings with crucial lower-order contributions.

Among his notable achievements was the pivotal role he played in leading Leicestershire to victory in the T20 Blast championship of 2011. His razor-sharp stumpings were the talk of the tournament and a stunning unbeaten 34 in the semi-final against Nottinghamshire particularly stood out, changing the momentum of the game. Not shy of the spotlight, he also relished his encounters against traditional rivals, particularly Yorkshire, where the contests not only promised fierce competition but added enriched narratives to county cricket folklore.

Sunil's cricketing gifts were not confined to just behind the stumps. His versatile bowling skills remained a secret arsenal, occasionally springing surprises with his underrated swing bowling. Though his opportunity with the ball was limited, when called upon, he delivered critical breakthroughs, cementing his versatility and importance to the team.

Over the years, he became not just a player but an embodiment of the fighting spirit, inspiring young cricketers with stories of resilience and skill. A true craftsman of the wicketkeeping art, Sunil Patel retired from professional cricket as one of its understated stalwarts, leaving behind a rich legacy and paving the way for a new generation of cricketing talent to follow in his footsteps.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats