In a thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 56 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the hero for DC with a match-winning performance. Kuldeep’s exceptional figures of 2/25 in four overs played a crucial role in DC’s 20-run victory over RR, propelling them to the fifth spot on the points table.

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron showered praise on Kuldeep for his outstanding display, particularly highlighting his double-wicket 18th over, where he picked up the crucial wickets of Donovan Ferreira and Ravichandran Ashwin while conceding just four runs.

“Kuldeep was absolutely phenomenal”

Aaron credited DC captain Rishabh Pant for exhibiting trust in Kuldeep’s abilities during the pressure-laden death overs, a decision that ultimately paid dividends for the team.

“Kuldeep was absolutely phenomenal. He was my player of the match as well because to do those kinds of things in that situation, in those conditions, is really not easy. Those two wickets in the 17th over, we must also give credit to Rishabh Pant because that was a brave call. You can shy away from it and give it to your fast bowler, but Rishabh Pant took that gamble and gave it to Kuldeep, and he delivered like he said in the post-match presentation,” said Varun Aaron.

Kuldeep’s impact upon team

Kuldeep’s remarkable form in the IPL 2024 season continued, as he showcased his prowess with the ball once again. With 14 wickets to his name from nine innings at an impressive average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 8.20, Kuldeep has been a key contributor to DC’s success. His standout performances include a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad and a match-winning spell of 3/20 against Lucknow Super Giants.

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Following their victory against RR, DC now stands in fifth place on the points table, having secured six wins from 12 matches and accumulating 12 points. With two crucial games remaining against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants, DC aims to continue their winning momentum to solidify their position in the playoffs race.

Saurabh Tiwary, aged 34, recently bid farewell to his professional cricket career, announcing his retirement after his last match during the ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign representing Jharkhand. The final encounter took place on February 15 in Jamshedpur.

Tiwary embarked on his cricket journey at the age of 11, starting his first-class career as a teenager during the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season. Notably, he was part of the victorious Under-19 World Cup team led by Virat Kohli in Malaysia in 2008.

Tiwary’s Cricket Journey: From Young Prodigy to Esteemed Figure in Domestic Cricket

His career reached new heights with remarkable performances for the Mumbai Indians in 2010, amassing 419 runs, and for Jharkhand in the same year. This led to his selection for the Indian team for the Asia Cup in June, although his international debut came in October. Tiwary played three ODIs, scoring 49 runs and remaining unbeaten in two innings.

Although brief, Tiwary’s international stint left a lasting impact on domestic cricket. Over 17 years and 116 first-class matches, he amassed 8076 runs in 191 innings, with an impressive average of 47.22, including 22 centuries and 34 half-centuries. Reflecting on his retirement during a press conference at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur, Tiwary expressed mixed emotions, stating it’s the right time to step aside and make way for younger talent, given his absence from the national and IPL teams.

Aaron’s Journey in Fast Bowling: Victories, Challenges, and Farewell

In parallel, Varun Aaron announced his retirement from red-ball cricket, marking the end of his first-class career with the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 match between Jharkhand and Rajasthan in Jamshedpur.

Aaron made his first-class debut in 2008, claiming 173 wickets in 66 matches at an average of 33.27, with six five-wicket hauls.

The 34-year-old speedster debuted in Test cricket in November 2011, gaining attention for his consistent high-speed bowling. However, his Test career spanned only eight matches between 2011 and 2015, securing 18 wickets at an average of 52.61.

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Citing persistent injuries and the realization that his body could no longer endure the demands of fast bowling in red-ball cricket, Aaron explained his decision to retire. Emotionally reflecting on his retirement, Aaron noted the significance of concluding his career in Jamshedpur, where it all began, making it a poignant moment for him in front of his family and the local community.