Anil Bhatt

Born on the first day of the new millennium, Anil Bhatt seemed destined for cricket greatness right from the cradle. Growing up in a cricket-mad family in Mumbai, India, Anil was introduced to the game by his father, an avid club cricketer. He spent his childhood mastering the fundamentals on the city's crowded maidans, watching and learning from the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. His passion and raw talent were hard to miss, and by the age of 12, he was already outplaying peers much older than himself.

Anil's journey from promising prodigy to professional cricketer was meteoric. His debut in first-class cricket came at the age of 18 for Mumbai against traditional rivals Delhi. His maiden innings were marked by a composed half-century, showcasing not only his technical prowess but also his mental fortitude. The first season ended with Anil among the top run-scorers in the domestic circuit, drawing attention from national selectors.

As a batsman, Anil is known for his adaptable approach at the crease. In the classic mould of a right-handed batsman, his technique is impeccable. Yet, his style remains fluid and innovative, able to switch gears depending on the match situation. This quality became particularly evident during the 2022 Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, where Anil scored a memorable century that played a decisive role in Mumbai's eventual triumph. It was his eye for the gaps and ability to rotate the strike that broke the resistance of the seasoned Karnataka bowling attack.

Anil's career is also peppered with thrilling rivalries, none more so than with the fiery bowler Siddharth Roy. Their notable face-off during the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy not only filled stadium seats but also redefined the competitiveness of domestic T20 cricket in India. Anil's impeccable timing and unflappable demeanour shone bright as he led Mumbai to a nail-biting victory.

Beyond batting, Anil has never shied away from rolling his arm over. While not a primary skill, his occasional off-spin has often provided crucial breakthroughs, adding a strategic edge to his team's bowling arsenal.

The impact Anil Bhatt has had on cricket is profound. His poise under pressure and his sportsmanship on and off the field have won him admirers far and wide. Whether piling on runs or inspiring future cricketers, Anil continues to leave an indelible mark on the game, a journey begun at local maidans, now witnessed on the world stage.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats