Alliraj Karuppusamy

Alliraj Karuppusamy’s journey from the dusty fields of Coimbatore to the international cricketing arenas is a tale woven with dedication, resilience, and sheer talent. Born on 12th April 1987, Alliraj exhibited a precocious grasp of the game, mesmerising local enthusiasts with both his bat and ball. Playing in the narrow gullies of his hometown, he honed his skills as an all-rounder, right-hand-bat and right-arm-fast-medium bowler, embodying cricket’s quintessential dual threat from an early age.

His formal cricket journey took flight when he was picked for Tamil Nadu's under-19 side. Alliraj’s performances were nothing short of phenomenal, consistently clinching all-rounder accolades and catching the attention of the national selectors. His relentless pursuit for excellence bore fruit when he made his professional debut for the Indian national team in 2008 during a T20 international against Sri Lanka. It was a match where he introduced himself as a cricketer to watch, contributing with both bat and ball.

One of the defining moments of Alliraj’s career came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Being a pivotal member of the Indian squad, his crucial half-century against Australia in the quarter-finals paved the way for India’s passage to the semi-finals. Moreover, his spectacular three-wicket haul in the final against Sri Lanka ensured India emerged victorious, etching his name in the annals of cricket history.

Throughout his career, Alliraj developed a fierce rivalry with the legendary Pakistani all-rounder, Shahid Afridi. Their on-field face-offs became a staple highlight of the Indo-Pak matches, culminating in several spine-chilling moments that kept fans worldwide on the edge of their seats.

Alliraj’s playing style is a blend of aggression and precision. As a batsman, he’s known for his robust strokeplay and the uncanny ability to accelerate the innings in crucial scenarios. His bowling, characterised by clever seam positions and lethal pace, frequently tormented batsmen.

Among the countless memories, perhaps the most poignant one remains his sensational hat-trick against England in a Test match in 2015. This hat-trick was a testament to his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.

Alliraj Karuppusamy's cricketing odyssey reflects a remarkable narrative, filled with lively rivalries, heroic performances, and an undying passion for the sport. His influence extends beyond statistics, inspiring budding cricketers to approach the game with the same fervour he has displayed throughout his impressive career.

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