Lalit Punjabi

Lalit Punjabi
Nationality: India
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Date of Birth: 1984-10-12 Age: 40

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on 12th October 1984 in the vibrant cricketing landscape of India, Lalit Punjabi's journey from a young cricket enthusiast to becoming a distinguished all-rounder is a tale of perseverance and passion. From his early years in the bustling streets of Mumbai, where he first picked up a bat, it was clear that cricket was more than just a pastime for him—it was a calling. Encouraged by his local club coach, Lalit’s robust right-handed batting and versatile bowling skills soon made him a regular fixture in age-group teams, paving the way for his professional debut.

Lalit's first significant breakthrough came with his selection in the Ranji Trophy team for Maharashtra, where he quickly became a key player. His ability to stabilise the innings with the bat, alongside delivering crucial spells with the ball, marked him out as a formidable all-rounder. This dual capability was on full display during the 2008 Ranji Trophy final, where he top-scored with a gritty 87 not out and subsequently claimed five wickets, leading to Maharashtra’s first championship in over a decade.

Beyond domestic cricket, Lalit’s prowess earned him a spot in the national squad. While international success can often be elusive, one notable series against their arch-rivals, Pakistan, stands out. Lalit’s on-field rivalry with Pakistan’s celebrated pacer was one for the ages, culminating in a memorable innings where Lalit dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack with a brilliant 127, securing a dramatic win for India.

His playing style is a delightful blend of aggression and finesse. As a batsman, Lalit possesses a free-flowing stroke play that anchors innings and accelerates when needed. His bowling, versatile and adaptive, has been the bane of many a batsman, whether employing gentle off-spin or deceptive medium pace to break partnerships and baffle skilled batsmen.

A cricket career isn’t just about statistics but the moments that linger in the memory. For Lalit, one such moment was his match-winning performance in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal against Australia. With a combination of strategic bowling and solid batting, he indelibly etched his name into cricketing folkore.

Though now approaching the twilight of his cricketing career, Lalit Punjabi’s impact on the game remains indisputable. His contributions have not only been vital in matches but have also inspired a generation of young, aspiring cricketers who dream of following in his footsteps.