New Delhi: The world of cricket has seen many extraordinary players who shine both on the field and off, often making headlines with their stellar performances. In today’s article, we’re talking about one such remarkable cricketer, Ajaz Patel—originally from Mumbai, India. Interestingly, despite his Indian roots, Ajaz plays for the New Zealand cricket team.
Ajaz Patel is a talented player who has carved his name into the record books. In 2021, he achieved an incredible feat by taking all 10 wickets in a single innings during a Test match against India. This historic performance made Ajaz only the third player in cricket history to do so.
How Did a Boy from Mumbai End Up in New Zealand?
Ajaz Patel was born on October 21, 1988, in Mumbai, India. When he was just eight years old, his family moved to New Zealand in 1996. Ajaz completed his schooling at Mount Mary School and went on to study at Gondal College. His father, Yunus Patel, and mother, Shahnaz Patel, along with his two younger sisters, Sana and Tanzil, form a close-knit family.
Inspired by a New Zealand Cricketer
Ajaz Patel started his cricketing journey as a fast bowler. He initially played domestic cricket for Auckland. During his early cricketing days, he was encouraged and mentored by New Zealand cricketer Dipak Patel. Just three days after his T20 debut, Ajaz began his first-class cricket career by playing in the Plunket Shield series, where he took three wickets in his very first match. On December 27, 2015, he made his List-A debut against Canterbury in the Ford Trophy.
However, the most iconic moment of his career came in 2021 when Ajaz, representing New Zealand, took all 10 wickets in a single innings against India. This made him the third bowler in the history of cricket to achieve such a feat, joining the ranks of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble.
International Career Begins
Ajaz Patel made his international debut for New Zealand in 2018 during a T20 match against Pakistan. Since then, he has continued to be a valuable player for the Blackcaps, earning a central contract from New Zealand Cricket. As of today, on September 18, 2024, Ajaz is playing in a match against Sri Lanka, where he has bowled 10 overs and conceded just 19 runs.
Despite his success in the subcontinent, the 35-year-old Patel is not always New Zealand’s first-choice spinner on home soil. Ajaz has acknowledged that spinners in New Zealand are often more eager to prove themselves in spin-friendly conditions.
Ajaz Patel stated that he constantly works on honing his skills and stays prepared for opportunities when they come his way.
Ajaz’s journey from Mumbai to making history on the international cricket stage is an inspiring tale of perseverance and determination. Whether playing in New Zealand or on foreign pitches, he has proved his mettle time and again with performances that cricket fans around the world will remember for years to come.
Also read: Mohammed Shami’s Rise to Stardom: Records, Net Worth, and Career Highlights
