Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in cricket history. He holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled in international cricket. On February 22, 2003, during a 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and England, Shoaib Akhtar bowled a delivery at an astonishing speed of 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph). This remains the fastest delivery ever recorded in cricket to date.

Detailed Breakdown of Shoaib Akhtar’s Record-Breaking Delivery:

• Date: February 22, 2003
• Match: Pakistan vs. England, 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Speed: 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)
• Event: The record-breaking delivery was bowled during the first innings of the match.
• Batsman Faced: The delivery was bowled to Nick Knight, the English batsman.

This extraordinary speed achieved by Shoaib Akhtar remains unbeaten by any bowler in cricket history. The fact that he was the first and so far the only bowler to breach the 100 mph barrier makes this record even more significant.

About Shoaib Akhtar:

• Nickname: "Rawalpindi Express"
• Birthdate: August 13, 1975
• Place of Birth: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• Playing Style: Right-arm fast bowler
• Career Span: 1997 – 2011
• International Matches: Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan in 163 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 46 Test matches, and 15 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
• Bowling Characteristics: Akhtar was known for his exceptional pace, aggression, and his ability to bowl consistently at speeds in excess of 150 km/h (93 mph). His combination of pace and bounce made him a dangerous bowler, especially on fast, bouncy pitches.

Why Was Shoaib Akhtar So Fast?

Shoaib Akhtar’s speed was attributed to his natural athleticism, muscular physique, and an unorthodox but effective bowling action. Despite facing various injuries throughout his career, Akhtar was able to consistently bowl at speeds over 150 km/h, often approaching or exceeding the 160 km/h mark.

He was particularly known for his intensity, and his aggressive, in-your-face attitude on the field intimidated many batsmen around the world. His record of 161.3 km/h came from his raw pace and sheer determination, rather than just technical precision or swing.

Career Highlights:

• Akhtar's record-breaking delivery was part of his efforts during Pakistan's campaign in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where his pace was a key factor for his team.
• He was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad but did not play as much due to his youth and injuries.
• Akhtar was also known for his feuds and controversies within the cricket world, including issues with his fitness and disciplinary issues that often sidelined him for parts of his career.

Legacy:

Shoaib Akhtar's legacy as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history remains unmatched. Although the speed record was not a factor in determining match outcomes by itself, it became a symbol of the sheer power and force he brought to the game. His fearsome deliveries, particularly against top-tier batsmen, earned him respect across the cricketing world.

Akhtar's career was marred by injuries, and he struggled to maintain his fitness over long periods. However, his impact on fast bowling, particularly in the early 2000s, was profound, and he remains a notable figure in cricket history.

End of Career and Retirement:

• Shoaib Akhtar retired from international cricket in 2011 after a career spanning 14 years.
• He played his final international match in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, representing Pakistan in a team that reached the semi-finals.

After his retirement, Akhtar transitioned into commentary, media appearances, and has been involved in various cricket-related activities, including his involvement in cricket commentary and expert analysis.

Records and Achievements:

• Fastest Ball: 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) — recorded on February 22, 2003, against England in the 2003 World Cup.
• Other Milestones:
  • Akhtar took 178 wickets in Test matches and 247 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
  • He also recorded hat-tricks and was a key figure in many high-profile matches for Pakistan.

Conclusion:

Shoaib Akhtar’s record for the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history remains a testament to his extraordinary pace and aggression as a fast bowler. His record of 161.3 km/h has not only made him a part of cricketing folklore but has also set a benchmark in fast bowling that remains difficult for others to break. His raw pace, combined with his unrelenting drive, left an indelible mark on the sport of cricket.

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Bishan Singh Bedi: A Legendary Left-Arm Spinner in Indian Cricket Bishan Singh Bedi, a name synonymous with left-arm spin bowling in India, remains one of the most celebrated cricketers in the country’s rich cricketing history. A left-arm orthodox spinner, Bedi’s career spanned from the mid-1960s to the 1970s, and his magical spells with the ball made him one of the greatest bowlers to ever represent India. Over the course of his career, he took 266 wickets in 67 Test matches, an achievement that solidified his place among the cricketing greats.

The Early Years: Rising to Stardom

Born on September 25, 1946, in Amritsar, Punjab, Bishan Singh Bedi showed an early inclination toward cricket, and his journey as a cricketer started from a very young age. Bedi was primarily a bowler, and his rise in Indian cricket was a testimony to his determination and talent. He played his first Test match for India against the West Indies in 1966, and his outstanding performances quickly earned him a regular spot in the national team.

Style of Bowling: The Left-Arm Magic

Bedi’s bowling was nothing short of artistry. As a left-arm orthodox spinner, his primary weapon was his control over flight and turn. Unlike many modern spinners, Bedi did not rely heavily on speed or variation but instead used the flight of the ball to deceive the batsmen. His ability to loop the ball and get sharp turn on both sides of the pitch made him a menace to batsmen. Bedi's smooth and classical action was admired by experts, and his command over the ball allowed him to dominate both domestic and international cricket for over a decade.

Bedi's bowling was not just about taking wickets, but also about creating pressure through sustained accuracy and subtle variations in flight and turn. His combination of patience, precision, and mastery over his craft made him a highly effective spinner.

Career Highlights: The Pillar of India's Spin Quartet

Bedi was a pivotal member of India's famous "Spin Quartet," which also included legendary spinners Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and Anil Kumble. This quartet dominated the world of cricket in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bringing India's spin bowling to the forefront of international cricket.

Bedi’s performances in the 1970s were exceptional. He played a major role in India's series win against the West Indies in 1971, where he took key wickets and made invaluable contributions to India's first-ever series win on the Caribbean soil. His most memorable performance came in 1972 when he picked up 5 wickets against England at Old Trafford, helping India to a famous victory.

The Legacy: A True Cricketing Icon

Bedi’s career was characterized by more than just his impressive wicket tally of 266 wickets in 67 Test matches. His contribution to Indian cricket transcended the mere numbers, and he became a role model for aspiring cricketers, particularly for left-arm spinners. His elegance on the field, his sportsmanship, and his passionate approach to the game earned him widespread admiration.

After retiring from international cricket in the late 1970s, Bedi remained deeply involved in the game, contributing to cricket as a coach, commentator, and mentor. He became a prominent voice in Indian cricketing circles and was highly respected for his cricketing acumen and insightful commentary.

Conclusion: Bishan Singh Bedi's Enduring Impact

Bishan Singh Bedi’s legacy as one of the finest left-arm spinners in the history of cricket is undeniable. His 266 wickets in 67 Tests tell only part of the story; his artistry, the love for the game, and his contributions to Indian cricket remain his true legacy. Bedi was not just a bowler but an embodiment of India's proud cricketing tradition, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket. His graceful yet lethal left-arm spin has inspired generations of bowlers, and his influence on the game will continue to be felt for many years to come.

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Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar (pronunciationⓘ; born 4 December 1977) is a former Indian cricketer and a commentator. He is the current chairman of the BCCI selection committee since July 4, 2023.[2] He has represented India in more than 200 international matches across all three formats of the game. He is the third highest wicket-taker for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He was the part of the Indian squads which won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2007 T20 World Cup and finished as runners up at the 2003 Cricket World Cup and the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. He was the Chairman of Selection Committee for 2024 T20 World Cup winning Indian team.

He played for the Delhi Daredevils (Now Delhi Capitals) and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, and captained Mumbai to its 40th Ranji Trophy title in 2013. He made his Test and ODI debuts in 1998 and T20I debut in 2006. In 2013, Agarkar announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Post-retirement, he began a new career as a cricket analyst. He holds the record for the quickest 50 in ODIs by an Indian coming off just 21 balls (against Zimbabwe in 2000).

Post retirement Ajit Agarkar took liking for Golf won the India Finals of BMR World Corporate Golf Challenge held at Prestige Golfshire, Bengaluru. Ajit Agarkar and his team mate Shabbir Rawjee, playing off handicaps 17 and 19 respectively, triumphed with a total of 62 stableford points

Personal life

Agarkar was born on 4 December 1976 in Mumbai,[3] to Meena and Balachandra Agarkar. He has one sister, Manik Agarkar.[4][5] Agarkar started out as a batsman since his childhood before he was entrusted to cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar by his father. On Achrekar's insistence, Agarkar shifted his school from IES to Shardashram Vidyamandir for Grade six. He developed as a batsman who could bowl a bit during this time while practicing at the Shivaji Park. He went on to perform consistently as a batsman scoring heavily in the inter-school Giles Shield tournament for the Under-16s making a triple century when he was 15. He carried the form into the Harris Shield under-19 tournament scoring consistently "showing signs of being another Tendulkar in the making." It was during this time that he began shifting focus to his bowling after it was "pointed out to [him] that it would be hard to make it into the Mumbai team as a pure batsman, and that he stood a better chance as an all-rounder". As a child, Agarkar idolized pacers Kapil Dev, Michael Holding and Ian Botham; later also taking a liking to Allan Donald.[4]

Agarkar is an alumnus of Ruparel College in Matunga. He married Fatima Ghadially and has a son named Raj with her. He resides in Narayan Pujari Nagar on the Worli Seaface in South Mumbai in Maharashtra.[6]

Bowling style

He is relatively short compared to other fast bowlers, but he could still bowl at speeds more than 90 mph (~142–150 km/h).[citation needed]

He was generally a wicket taking bowler being the fastest (at the time) to 50 wickets. During his career, many questions arose about his economy rate. However, his career economy rate was fair (5.07).[7]

International career

Agarkar made his ODI debut against Australia at Kochi, on 1 April 1998. He took the wicket of Adam Gilchrist in that match.[8]

Soon after his debut, a 20-year-old Agarkar achieved his first Man of the match award in a crucial Coca-Cola champions trophy match against New Zealand taking four wickets including the crucial wickets of Stephen Fleming and Craig McMillan while India was defending just 220 on 17 April 1998.[9]

The positive start to his early career, Indian fans were hopeful of him forming a strong bowling partnership with Javagal Srinath. Srinath had been sidelined by injury during Agarkar's 1st season and was the only successful pace bowler in the National Team. The emergence of Ashish Nehra in 1999 and Zaheer Khan in 2000 created further competition for pace bowling options especially in home conditions. Frequent injuries to Srinath, Nehra, and Agarkar meant India struggled with pace bowling resources.[citation needed]

While Agarkar remained a part of the team, he was not able to hold down a guaranteed place due to frequent injuries and severe competition for places especially after the emergence of Irfan Pathan in 2004. He was an important part of the hugely successful Indian team in 2002 and 2003 with Agarkar contributing some memorable performances with the bat and the ball. During this period, he was also a member of the Indian team which finished in the runner-up spot in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, although he did not play in a single game throughout the tournament.

Amongst Agarkar's better performances were his performances in Australia in the Test series of 1999, and also in the test series in 2003. At Adelaide Oval in 2003, Agarkar took 6/41, to help India to win their first test in Australia in over 20 years. Agarkar has performed better in ODI cricket, where he takes wickets regularly, although his economy rate is high. He has also had a number of good batting performances. He was the best Indian bowler in the one-day series during India's tour of West Indies in 2006.

As a batsman, Agarkar is one of the few players who scored a Test century at Lords against England during India's tour to England in 2002 when he scored 109 not out. Although India lost the test, his batting skills were quite noticeable. He also holds the record of the fastest fifty in ODI's for India when he scored 67 not out in 25 balls at Rajkot against Zimbabwe in 2000.[10] However, his batting exploits have been frequently overshadowed by seven consecutive instances of no scoring against Australia, five in Australia and two at home.[11] His first four dismissals also happened to have been on the first ball he faced.

He is currently the 3rd highest wicket taker (288) for India in ODI's after Javagal Srinath (315) and Anil Kumble (337). One of the notable performances in the domestic cricket came in the 2009–10 Ranji trophy finals against Karnataka in which he took 5 wickets in the second innings ensuring a narrow win for Mumbai.

On 16 October 2013, Agarkar announced his retirement from all forms of cricket just before the start of the 2013–14 Ranji season.[12][13]

As an all-rounder

John Wright used to send Agarkar as a pinch hitter in ODIs up the order to increase the scoring rate. He demonstrated good batting skills with extra slogging. Some of his acclaimed knocks in ODIs are when he smacked the fastest 50 in 21 balls in 2000 against Zimbabwe and took 3 wickets as well in that match,[14] in another knock his 95 against West Indies in 2002 at Jamshedpur when he was sent up the order at number 3.[15] In the same season in 2002 he joined the group of few Indians to have scored a century at Lord's, when he scored a century in the first test of series batting at no. 8.[16] He got a runner-up medal in 2003 World Cup.

Records

Early in his career, Agarkar broke Dennis Lillee's world record for the fastest 50 wickets in ODIs, achieving the feat from only 23 matches. He held the record from 1998 until 2009 when Ajantha Mendis achieved the feat from just 19 matches. Agarkar holds the Indian record of scoring the fastest 50 in ODI: he scored 50 off 21 balls. Agarkar also holds another ODI record, which is the quickest in terms of fewest matches played to take 200 wickets and complete 1000 runs. Agarkar achieved this feat in 133 matches breaking the previous record held by South African Shaun Pollock, who accomplished this feat in his 138th match.[17]

During India's 1999-2000 tour of Australia, Agarkar set a record of five consecutive innings (seven consecutive innings against Australia) resulting in ducks (four of them first ball), which earned him the nickname "Bombay Duck".[13][18] The wicket takers were Damien Fleming, Brett Lee(twice), Mark Waugh and Glenn McGrath.

Domestic career

Agarkar represented Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League for three seasons. In the fourth season, he was contracted by Delhi Daredevils for US$210,000.[19]

In February 2012 it was announced that Agarkar would captain Mumbai in the 2012 Vijay Hazare Trophy.[20]

He was also the captain of the Mumbai team that won the 2013 Ranji Trophy.[7] In the quarter-final, he scored 52* (from 53 balls) against Baroda to ensure a mammoth total of 645/9 declared. In the semi-final against Services, he scored 145 and made a 246-run 7th wicket partnership with wicketkeeper Aditya Tare (120) to rescue Mumbai from 169/6, and take the total to 454/8 declared.[21

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Yuzvendra Chahal (born 23 July 1990) is an Indian international cricketer who plays for the Indian cricket team in white ball cricket as a leg spin bowler. He also plays for Haryana in domestic cricket and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League. He is a right-arm leg break bowler. Chahal was the second player and first Indian to take a 6 wicket haul in T20I history.[3] He was the first concussion substitute to be named man of the match in an international cricket match.[4] He is a former chess player and represented India internationally in chess. He was a part of the Indian team which won the 2024 T20 World Cup, however he did not feature in any of the matches during the tournament.

Domestic career[edit]

Chahal was first signed up by Mumbai Indians in 2011. He appeared in only 1 IPL game across three season and that was against Kolkata Knight Riders on 24 April but played in all matches in the 2011 Champions League Twenty20. He took 2 for 9 in 3 overs in the Final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, helping Mumbai defend the total of 139 and lift the title. At the 2014 IPL players auction, he was bought by the Royal Challengers for his base price of ₹ 10 lakh. He got the Man of the Match award against Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2014.

In January 2018, he was bought back by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 IPL auction.[5] In February 2022, he was bought by the Rajasthan Royals in the Mega auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League tournament.[6] On 18 April 2022, in the IPL match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Chahal took a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul.[7] He became the first Indian to take 300 wickets in T20s during Rajasthan Royals' opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.[8]

In September 2023, Chahal signed for English side Kent County Cricket Club for the final three matches of the 2023 County Championship season after not being selected for India's Asia Cup and World Cup side.[9][10]

Chahal signed a short term contract with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in August 2024,[11][12] taking 5/14 in his debut appearance for the club in the One-Day Cup against his former team, Kent.[13][14]

International career[edit]

He was named in the 14-man squad to tour Zimbabwe in 2016. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on 11 June 2016, Richmond Mutumbami was his first wicket in ODIs.[15]

In the second match, Chahal took three wickets for just 26 runs and led his side to victory by 8 wickets. In his second over, he delivered a seam-up delivery at a speed of 109 km/h.[16] His bowling performance earned him first international man of the match award as well.

He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on 18 June 2016, Malcolm Waller was his first wicket in T20Is.[17]

On 1 February 2017, he became the first bowler for India to take a five wicket haul in T20Is, ending with figures of 6/25 against England.[18][19] Yuzvendra Chahal was also the first legspinner to pick up a fifer as well as 6 wicket haul in a T20I and had the record for the best bowling as a legspinner in T20I history (6/25).

He took the most wickets (23) in T20Is in 2017 by any bowler.[20] Chahal is also the first Indian bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in T20Is in the third T20 against England on February 1, 2017.

On 18 January 2019, Chahal took his 2nd One Day International 5 wicket haul by taking 6/42 against Australia. These were the joint best figures by an Indian bowler vs Aussies after Ajit Agarkar in 2003/04. These also were best figures by an Indian spinner at MCG in Australia against Australia. In this match, Australia scored 230 in 48.5 overs while India chased it easily by winning it from 7 wickets courtesy fine knocks from M.S. Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav.

In April 2019, he was named in India's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.[21][22] He ended his world cup campaign with 12 wickets.[23] In November 2019, during the third T20I against Bangladesh, he became the third bowler for India to take 50 wickets in T20Is.[24]

Chahal, Rohit Sharma in cricket field in 2020

On 4 December 2020, in the first T20I match against Australia, Chahal replaced Ravindra Jadeja as a suffering a concussion.[25] Chahal was later named the man of the match, becoming the first concussion substitute to win the man of the match award in an international cricket fixture.[26] In June 2021, he was named in India's One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against Sri Lanka.[27]

He was left out of the Indian 2021 T20 WC squad, prompting several questions and reactions.[28][29]

In February 2022, in the opening match against the West Indies, Chahal took his 100th wicket in ODI cricket.[30] In June 2022, Chahal was named in India's squad for their T20I series against Ireland.[31]

Chahal meeting Narendra Modi in 2024

In April 2024, Chahal became the first player in the history of Indian Premier League to complete 200 wickets.[32] In May 2024, he was named in India’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.[33]

IPL Career[edit]

Chahal played three teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Between 2011 and 2013 he played for Mumbai Indians before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore where he played between 2014 and 2021, including in the 2016 final losing side. He joined Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2022 season, and was again on the losing side in the 2022 final. In 2024, he became the first bowler to take 200 IPL career wickets

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