A name barely remembered in Indian cricket has received lavish compliments from former hero Yuvraj Singh recently. The superstar chatterbox said that Pankaj was the “best domestic cricket bowler” after that memorable moment in the Duleep Trophy. This is many years after Pankaj had made his international debut but went about without leaving a lasting impact. Though Pankaj played just two Tests for India, it has certainly carved out space for him in the world of domestic cricket.
Pankaj Singh’s Home Success
Pankaj Singh made his first international appearance against England in 2014. He played only two Test matches and could dismiss only two players. Yet his first-class record is just opposite to what occurred in international cricket. He took 472 wickets from 117 matches. Meanwhile, in List A cricket, he could dismiss 118 wickets over 79 matches. Pankaj has been quite consistent and consistent for India as well in domestic cricket, making him one of the top fast bowlers. Cricketing websites say that he is the fourth Indian fast bowler to reach 400 wickets in first-class cricket.
Yuvraj’s Endorsement
Pankaj Singh has an interesting anecdote about Yuvraj Singh in 2016. After getting Yuvraj out in the Duleep Trophy, Yuvraj branded him the “best bowler in domestic cricket.” Pankaj recently remembered this statement and thanked Yuvraj for his word. “He is such a big player. If he’s said it, it probably means something.” An endorsement from a cricketing icon gives weight to Pankaj’s credits in domestic cricket.
Stuart Broad’s Witty Retrospection
As Pankaj reflects on his career, one of England’s bowling legends, Stuart Broad, also reflects on one of the most notorious moments in T20 cricket history. He was famously hit for six sixes in the 2007 T20 World Cup by Yuvraj Singh. But now he admits that he was just lucky because one of the umpires failed to note that he was hit for seven sixes. He further mentioned, with a sense of humor, that a waist-high no-ball could have altered the course of that over.
Importance of Domestic Cricket
The story of Pankaj Singh underlines how pivotal the importance of domestic cricket is for a player. The reason why some players receive doors to international platforms and some, like Pankaj, shine in domestic competitions. Words of thanks coming from a huge star like Yuvraj are at the focal point of talent at a place but remain unacknowledged at the same time. For many, these words of gratitude from big stars like Yuvraj would encourage them to put in their best efforts to gain excellence.
Conclusion
Pankaj Singh’s career reminds us of the riches of talent that home cricket has been in need of. Though his international cricketing career spans over very few matches, his performances in domestic cricket will be acknowledged. The notion that the best bowling stocks of home cricket play a pivotal role in the structure of cricket gets an endorsement in the form of Yuvraj Singh. As fans of the game of cricket, we should celebrate such players, who greatly contribute to the game, mostly ignored by the limelight.
