From changing his name to Azharuddeen to staying calm at crease, meet Kerala's cricketing sensation

In a remarkable turn of events during the Ranji Trophy semifinal match, Gujarat was forced to expend more than 300 deliveries in their bid to dismiss Mohammed Azharuddeen. Despite their efforts, they were unable to take his wicket. With the goal of dismissing Azhar, Gujarat bowled a total of 341 balls, equivalent to 56.5 overs, during which Azhar accumulated 177 runs, including 20 boundaries and one six. His defensive yet attacking stance proved that he was not only capable of holding the fort but also of wielding the bat like a wall when required.

In the sweltering heat at Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat spent a total of 1,122 balls to see off Kerala in the first innings. On average, each of the eleven Kerala players faced 102 balls. Eight of the Kerala batters faced more than 50 balls. Salman Nizar and Sachin Baby were the standout performers, facing 202 and 195 balls respectively. As a team, Kerala managed to hit 52 fours and two sixes, accumulating 220 runs. Including 18 extra runs, Kerala's total reached 238, with the remaining 219 runs being made through running between the wickets.

Azharuddeen’s name itself carries an intriguing backstory. Originally named Ajmal by his family, his elder brother Khamaruddin, a fervent Azharuddin fan while working in the Gulf, was inspired by the cricketer’s style. Khamaruddin insisted that his younger brother's name be changed to Azharuddeen to reflect his admiration. The family adhered to his wishes, and so Azharuddeen became known both professionally and among close ones as ‘Aju’—a name that still persists in the family circle.

Azharuddeen’s early cricketing idols were international legends like Adam Gilchrist, whose wicketkeeping and aggressive batting style had a profound impact on the young cricketer. Much like his idol, Azhar rose to fame as a wicketkeeper-batter, gaining recognition not just in Kerala but across India. Today, all of Kerala is hopeful of seeing him don the Indian jersey in an international match.

Azharuddeen’s aggressive batting style is widely acknowledged in cricket circles. However, his coach, Amay Khurasiya, advocates a more composed approach, favouring controlled play. Kerala’s batting style under Khurasiya’s guidance is an epitome of patience. For instance, Salman Nizar displayed immense perseverance at the crease, while Azharuddeen often attempted to break the shackles with his aggressive shots.

One of the highlights of the match came when, on a personal score of 87, Indian cricket star Ravi Bishnoi was repeatedly dispatched to the boundary by Azharuddeen, as he hit three consecutive fours. With his score reaching 99, Azharuddeen eventually achieved his century in a more calculated manner. His dynamic batting style caught the attention of onlookers, but it was his coach’s strategic discipline that kept him grounded, restricting his impulsive attacking instinct and ensuring that he remained a focused player.