Basil Thampi is an Indian cricketer who was born on September 11, 1993, in Ernakulam, Kerala. He bats right-handed and bowls right-arm fast-medium.
Thampi is renowned for his fiery bowling, which reaches speeds of over 140 kmph, and for his ability to bowl yorkers.
Background
Thampi was preparing to complete his studies and relocate to the Gulf in search of work. He was playing for Kerala at the time, and a conversation with his then-captain persuaded him to stick with cricket and take a job at Chemplast, a cricket nursery.
Thampi, who has already been selected for the Indian side, looks set to be selected for the national team due to his outstanding bowling skills.
Basil has played for Kerala (South Zone), Gujarat Lions, India A, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 Indian Premier League season.
Debut
Since being a member of the squad for two series, Basil Thampi has yet to make his international debut.
In the Ranji Trophy, he made his first-class debut for Kerala against Goa at Wayanad on December 7, 2014.
In a game that ended in a tie, he took four wickets.
Basil made his List A debut against Goa in Secunderabad on November 7, 2014. He took six wickets, but his team was unable to secure a well-deserved victory.
Basil made his T20 debut against Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at Visakhapatnam on April 1, 2014. In another defeat for Kerala, he took a wicket and was responsible for a run out.
Rise to Glory
Basil Thampi’s cricket career was given a massive boost during the 2017 IPL season when he was signed by the Gujarat Lions for an undisclosed amount following his outstanding performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
He was the lions’ best bowler, taking 11 wickets in 12 games at an average of 38.55. Despite his wickets, Basil was costly, as he went for 424 runs at a 9.49 economy rate during the season.
He is regarded as one of India’s up-and-coming bowlers, joining the likes of Jasprit Bumrah.
Basil played a key role in Kerala’s good year in 2017, which included a quarterfinal appearance in the Ranji Trophy, where they were defeated by eventual winners Vidarbha.
In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was also outstanding, taking vital wickets when they were needed.
Basil was a member of the T20I squad that travelled to Sri Lanka, but he did not get the chance to play. In February and March of 2017, he was also a net bowler in the Test Series against Australia.
After being acquired for 95 lakh, Basil will play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 IPL season. He’ll try to keep up his excellent form from last season.