Jithu Vilson

Jithu Vilson, born on the 18th of October, 1995, in the bustling cricket-loving city of Chennai, is a name that has become synonymous with fast-bowling brilliance. From the moment he first clutched a cricket ball as a child, the potential for greatness was unmistakable. Jithu’s cricketing odyssey began on the dusty playgrounds of his neighbourhood, where he polished his skills with tenacity, determined to convert raw talent into a professional career.

Breaking into professional cricket was no small feat. After years of toil and sweat in the local leagues, his break came when he was selected for the Tamil Nadu Under-19 team. Displaying a natural penchant for pace and accuracy, Jithu’s left-arm-fast-medium deliveries soon caught the attention of national selectors. His debut for the Indian national team in 2017 against England at Lord's was a testament to his perseverance and skill.

One might recall the 2019 ODI series against Australia as a defining phase in Jithu's career. His fiery spells, particularly in the third match, backed by a crucial lower-order batting performance, saw India clinch a rare series win Down Under. The series established him not just as a bowler capable of swinging the ball both ways under any conditions, but also underscored his invaluable contributions as a right-handed batsman, often rescuing the team during dire straits.

Among his remarkable achievements, the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai stands tall. Jithu’s sharp bowling saw him claim a career-best haul of 5 wickets for just 17 runs against arch-rivals Pakistan, planting himself firmly in the annals of cricketing folklore. His riveting battles with Pakistan’s top order added a fiery layer to the already legendary Indo-Pak rivalry, with every encounter promising nail-biting drama.

Jithu’s playing style is marked by an unusual combination of pace and guile. His ability to swing the ball both ways off a seemingly innocuous run-up, coupled with a knack for pinpoint yorkers, often leaves batsmen grasping for answers. While his primary weapon is his blistering pace, it’s his understanding of the game’s nuances and his on-field adaptability that truly set him apart.

Despite his rise to fame, Jithu Vilson remains remarkably grounded, often citing his formative years and early struggles as his greatest motivation. A role model for aspiring cricketers, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and relentless effort—a compelling chapter in the modern cricket narrative.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats