Abhilash Shetty

Abhilash Shetty's journey from the cricket-loving lanes of Bangalore to the international arena is a tale of passion and perseverance. Born on the first day of the new millennium, Abhilash's cricketing aspirations began at an early age. Inspired by family weekend matches and the fervour of India’s cricketing culture, he took to the sport naturally. His innate talent was evident as a youngster competing at local school tournaments, where his left-handed batting grace and versatile bowling acumen quickly set him apart.

By the time he was a teenager, Abhilash was already making waves in domestic circuits. His first major breakthrough came when he was selected for the Karnataka Under-19 team. His performances there were pivotal, particularly a spellbinding display at the nationals, earning him recognition and the nickname "Bangalore's Blade". It was this platform that led to his professional debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy at just 18, where his all-round skills came to the fore.

Abhilash's record in domestic cricket is impressive. He boasts multiple five-wicket hauls and match-winning fifties, showcasing his knack for delivering under pressure. His career trajectory reached new heights when he played a crucial role in Karnataka's triumphant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaigns, often steering his team out of precarious situations. Notable was his fierce rivalry with Chhattisgarh, where his duels with the renowned bowler Paras Jain became the stuff of local folklore.

On the international stage, Abhilash's standout performance came during a T20 series against Australia, where his quickfire 40* and a crucial 3-wicket over turned the series in favour of India. His ability to change the game's complexion through impactful contributions has made him one to watch.

His playing style is characterised by a naturally aggressive left-handed batting technique, often dispatching bowlers with an array of shots that balance flair and precision. As a bowler, he remains adaptable, swinging the new ball under lights and offering deceptive variations with his spin on drier pitches, a versatility that often confounds opposing batsmen.

Perhaps the most significant moment of Abhilash's career, epitomising his influence on the game, was his performance in the 2022 IPL final for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His defining last-over heroics sealed a long-awaited victory, cementing his status as a cricketer capable of altering the course of matches, and winning hearts of fans worldwide with his ebullient spirit and undeniable skill.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats