12 Unknown facts about Faiz Fazal

Faiz Fazal has been a strong pillar in the Vidarbha batting order. He has contributed consistently to his domestic side for more than a decade and is mainly responsible for Vidarbha’s enhanced reputation in the domestic circuit. The 33-year-old has also made a name for himself in the national circuit as well in the past few years. Termed as a technically, physically and mentally clear-minded cricketer, his performances have made cricketing pundits and selectors sit up and take note of him. All his hard work was rewarded by Indian selectors after he was named in the ODI squad for the Zimbabwe tour in 2016.

1.Born on:

Faiz Yakub Fazal was born on September 7, 1985, in the ‘Orange City’ of Nagpur, Maharashtra.

2. Vidarbha’s man in form:

Fazal was Vidarbha’s top run-getter in the in the 2016 Ranji Trophy season. He scored 559 runs in 8 games at an average of 39.92.

3. India U-19s:

Fazal made it to the India under-19 side in 2004 and played under the leadership of Ambati Rayudu. His teammates in the team were future stars Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik and RP Singh.

4. Unlucky:

Fazal was a part of the India U19 World cup team and set to open with Shikhar Dhawan event. Unfortunately, the southpaw injured his thumb and was replaced by Robin Uthappa who was not in the original squad.

5. Shines on national platform:

The 30-year-old continued his fine form in the domestic season. In the 50 overs knockout championship, Deodhar Trophy, Fazal made a fluent 100 for India ‘A’, helping his side beat India B pretty convincingly and win the trophy.

6. Follows it up with another match-winning show:

After leading India A to win with the bat, Fazal continued to sizzle and hit another gutsy knock for Rest of India in Irani Trophy. It was a historic game at the Brabourne Stadium where Fazal (127) along with Karun Nair scripted one of the best comeback stories in Indian domestic cricket, guiding Rest of India (RoI) register the highest successful run chase (480) in the Irani Trophy.

7. Enjoyed success in England:

The southpaw was in England playing in the North East Premier League Premier Division in Durham County in 2016.  Playing for Hetton Lyons Cricket Club, Faiz already scored two centuries. His first hundred came against Whitburn Cricket Club when he scored an aggressive 104, which came off only 101 balls with the help of 13 fours and four sixes. His second ton came in the following match against South Northumberland Cricket Club. The conditions were a bit tough but, Faiz showed patience and determination to score 108 in 163 balls which had 12 fours and a six.

8. Consistency at the national level:

Faiz was instrumental in Central Zone winning the Duleep Trophy in the 2014/15 season. He scored 143 runs in two games at an average at a 35.75.

9. Indian Premier League:

Faiz Fazal had a bit of Indian Premier League (IPL) experience as well. Fazal was a part of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals from 2010 to 2011. He currently has no IPL contract.

10. One of emerging stars:

He was nominated for emerging player award in his debut season 2010. He scored 164 runs in 9 matches playing under the leadership of Australian legend Shane Warne.

11. Personal Life:

Fazal married Tarana in 2012. His wedding was attended by people from the sports fraternity like former BCCI president Shashank Manohar, Prashant Vaidya, Umesh Yadav, and Pritam Gandhe. The couple has a kid Rozina.

12. Teams played for:

Fazal has played for Central Zone, India Red, India Under-19s, Railways, and Rajasthan Royals.