Shiv Sunder Das is our Indian cricketer of the fortnight. His match
winning effort in the historic overseas Test win at Bulawayo makes him
a clear winner. This 23-year-old youngster is a refreshing
addition to the Indian side. Das always carries a smile on his face as
he goes about his task efficiently. This no nonsense player from
Orissa made his debut against Bangladesh last year and hasn't looked
back ever since.
Das has impressed one and all with his willingness to learn and to
strive to be better. He is a compact player and one who is best termed
as reliable. The Indian team seems to have found a dependable man to take
the shine off the new ball. There is this little champion in him
masked behind all the grit and determination. An opening batsman's job
is like that of a long distance cyclist. He has to conquer different
stages through the innings. Das clearly deserves to wear the 'yellow
jersey'.
Das had a good preparation for the first Test with a fine show
with the bat against CFX Academy, scoring a hundred. Come the first
Test match at Bulawayo, Das was ready for it. On a pitch that helped
the seam bowlers, he stood strong and knocked off 30 runs before
tragedy struck. Das was adjudged to have edged a bat-pad to silly
point. TV replays clearly showed that he did not get an edge.
Das has proved to be reliable on the field too. He snapped up three
catches in the match, which included a stunning diving catch at
forward short leg to dismiss Brian Murphy. India was set the task
of scoring 184 runs in the final innings for that much sought after
away win. Das lived through the initial anxious moments and steadily
got into the act. He led the Indian charge and remained unbeaten on 82
in the end. The victory was made to look like a formality as Das and
Tendulkar completely overpowered the bowling.
Das' batting was a revelation as he seized the opportunity with both
hands. He struck ten boundaries in his match-winning knock. The
highlight of his innings clearly was the four boundaries he struck in
one over from Brighton Watambwa. There was no doubt in anyone's mind as
to who would be adjudged the Man of the Match.
Inside Stuff
Modesty is the virtue of a true champion...[More]
Seeks Sunil Gavaskar's help... [More]
Always willing to learn to improve...[More]
Executive post in SAIL... [More]
Audio Interview ...[More]
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Celebrity Articles
A long term prospect for India... says WV Raman [More]
The emergence of Shiv Sunder Das was the most positive sign for India... says EAS Prasanna [More]
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Milestones
Maiden Test hundred...[More]
Selected for the Border-Gavaskar Scholarship Program...[More]
Hercules Champion...[More]
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