On October 21, cricket fans were treated to a historical moment as Abdul Samad, the star player of Sunrisers Hyderabad, made headlines by becoming the first batter from Jammu & Kashmir to score multiple centuries in a single Ranji Trophy match.
Historic Feat in the Ranji Trophy
In an ongoing Elite Group A match against Odisha at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Samad delivered a remarkable performance. Scoring 127 runs in the first innings and an unbeaten 108 in the second, he displayed not just skill but also resilience. His back-to-back centuries mark a significant milestone for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir and elevate his status as a leading figure in Indian domestic cricket.
First Innings Performance
During the first innings, Samad exhibited an aggressive approach, amassing 127 runs off 117 balls. His innings included six fours and an impressive nine sixes.
Second Innings Performance
Samad’s second innings was equally captivating, where he scored an unbeaten 108 runs from the same number of balls. In this innings, he hit five fours and an astounding six sixes, further solidifying his reputation as a hard-hitting batter.
By hitting six sixes in the second innings, Samad has now claimed the top spot for the most sixes by a batter from Jammu & Kashmir in Ranji Trophy history, with a total of 78 sixes in just 25 matches. This record puts him ahead of Shubham Khajuria, who has 73 sixes in 65 matches, showcasing Samad’s power-hitting ability.
Impact on Jammu & Kashmir Cricket
Samad’s achievements are monumental not just for him personally but for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir. His performances inspire young cricketers in the region and provide hope for a stronger representation in Indian cricket. Historically, players from J&K have had limited opportunities, but Samad is changing the narrative.
Abdul Samad and the IPL
Samad made his Indian Premier League debut in 2021 and has since been an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad. Retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auctions for ₹4 crore, Samad has continued to impress, playing in all 16 matches of the 2024 season and scoring 182 runs with an impressive strike rate of 168.51.
As discussions around the IPL 2025 mega auction heat up, it’s vital for Sunrisers Hyderabad to consider retaining Samad. With such a successful outing in the Ranji Trophy, Samad’s future looks bright. Fans and analysts alike expect him to carry this momentum into the IPL and beyond. The cricketing world will be closely watching his performances in upcoming matches, anticipating further milestones.
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