Suraj Lal Putta Motilal

Suraj Lal Putta Motilal, born on 24th May 1989, has etched his name modestly in the annals of cricket, standing out for his elegance and precision at the crease. Raised in a cricket-loving family in the bustling city of Mumbai, Suraj’s early encounters with cricket were in the narrow lanes where makeshift wickets and taped tennis balls honed his skills.

Motilal’s exceptional talent as a right-hand batsman became evident when he made waves in the local circuit. His graceful strokes and sheer dedication to improvement eventually earned him a spot in the Mumbai Under-19 team. It was here that Suraj first turned heads, amassing runs with remarkable consistency against competitive bowling attacks.

Suraj’s professional debut came at the age of 20, for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic competition. From his first ball, it was clear he was not just another promising player. His contribution to multiple championships with Mumbai was invaluable, showing not just his ability with the bat but also his leadership qualities. Over the years, Motilal has accumulated numerous centuries in first-class cricket, punching well above his weight and turning matches almost single-handedly in favour of his team.

Apart from championships, Suraj carved out a niche in one-day cricket as well, where his compact technique and calm under pressure led Mumbai to several limited-overs titles. A moment of particular brilliance came during a tense final against Karnataka, where his unbeaten 112 guided Mumbai to a memorable victory.

Suraj’s cricketing journey has not been without its captivating rivalries. His duels with Karnataka’s ace spinner left audiences on edge, each contest a chess game of tactics and patience. Though known primarily for his batting, Suraj also revealed his versatile bowling skills, chipping in crucial wickets with his part-time off-spin when the chips were down.

Motilal’s playing style is defined by solid technique and a temperament to match. His drives are a thing of beauty, with timing that has often left fans and critics in awe. Not overly reliant on power, he nudges and steers with finesse, accumulating runs with an old-school charm rarely seen these days.

Off the field, Suraj Lal Putta Motilal is remembered for his humility and passion, inspiring young cricketers to believe in the beauty of playing both as a team player and an individual artist within the team. His influence on the game, quietly significant, remains long after the last run is scored.

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Bowling Stats