New Delhi: The cricket industry is known for its performence and filled with several spectacular cricketers. They remain in limelight for their personal and professional lives. We call him 'Lion of Mumbai'. However on the contrary, the sad part is that he plays for New Zealand.
There are numerous records registered for Ajaz Patel. He became the third player ever to take 10 wickets in a single inning in the Test Match against his own country India in 2021.
How did a Mumbai Lion lands up in New Zealand?
Ejaz Patel was born on 21 October, 1988 in Mumbai. When Ejaz turned 8, In 1996, he transferred with his entire family to New Zealand.
He finished his schooling from Mount Marry School. He pursued his college studies from Gondal College. His father's name is Yunus Patel. Mother's name is Shahnaz Patel. Ejaz also has 2 younger sisters. One's name is Sana Patel and the other sister's name is Tanzeel Patel.
New Zealand cricketer motivated him
Ejaz Patel started his cricket career as a fast bowler. He started playing for the Auckland team. He began bowling while playing domestic cricket. He also got encouragement from his teammate Deepak Patel.
Just 3 days after the opening T-20 match, Ejaz started his first-class cricket career in the Plunket Shield Series. In his very first match, he took 3 wickets and contributed 7 runs for his team.
On 27 December 2015, Ajaz started his List-A career against the CenterBury Cricket Team while playing in The Ford Trophy.
In the year 2021, Ajaz Patel did an amazing job, due to which he could be in a lot of headlines. While playing for the New Zealand team, Ajaz took 10 wickets in a single inning for India. He became the third bowler ever to gain such victory.
Start of International Career
Ajaz Patel started his international career in the year 2018 by playing a T-20 match against Pakistan. During this, New Zealand Cricket has also honored him with a central contract.
Ajaz Patel was playing in the cricket match against Sri Lanka today i.e. on 18 September 2024. So far Ajaz has given 19 runs in 10 overs.
35-year-old Ajaz Patel is not the Blackcaps' first-choice spinner on home grounds despite being successful in the subcontinent. The senior spinner said that "New Zealand spinners are more voracious when playing in favorable conditions."
Ajaz Patel said that he has constantly tried to work on his skills and be ready for the opportunities.
