Son of fisherman, Kerala’s MD Nidheesh grabs a five-for to rattle Jammu & Kashmir in Ranji Trophy quarter final
It’s unclear why Jammu & Kashmir chose Pune’s misty MCA stadium as their preferred venue for the Ranji quarterfinals. But Mattakandathil Dineshan (MD) Nidheesh knew his ears pricked up when he heard Kerala would travel away from the usually preferred flat wickets or turners, aiming for the semifinal.Nidheesh, the right-arm outswing specialist conjuring wicked angles, knew he was On. His time to strike, was now.
MCA’s serene field and spicy pitch have plenty of fans in both Ranji teams, notably their quicks. “This was like heaven for us!” Nidheesh would say after his 5-for 56 from 23 overs, regularly stubbed out flickers that J&K batsmen lit, while reaching 228/8 in 85 overs on Day 1.
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It wasn’t just the 5 wickets and the fact that he pu...