Bengaluru's Computer Science Student Smashes Rachin Ravindra For 4 Sixes In MLC

Last Updated:
Sanjay Krishnamurthi, the Indian-origin cricketer slammed the Kiwi allrounder for four consecutive maximums during the Major League Cricket opening game for San Francisco Unicorns.
New Zealand's aggressive striker Finn Allen may have grabbed the headlines with his unbelievable 151 in the Major League Cricket opener on Friday, June 13, but the match between San Francisco Unicorns and the Washington Freedom also gave Bengaluru's computer science student Sanjay Krishmurthi his moment of triumph. An Indian-origin cricketer, who plays for USA internationally, Krishnamurthi shot into limelight by hitting Kiwi allrounder Rachin Ravindra for four consecutive sixes.
Walking in at No.4 for the San Francisco franchise, Krishnamurthi helped his team continue the Allen-inspired domination against their Washington-based rivals at the Oakland Coliseum in California. The 22-year-old right-hand batter took a few singles before entering the beast mode upon Ravindra's introduction to the attack. Extremely strong hitting the ball down the ground, he dispatched the left-arm spinner to long-on and deep mid-wicket for four successive maximums in the 8th over.
Krishnamurthi finished with a cameo of 36 off 20 deliveries in a magnificent partnership of 88 runs with Allen, who shattered multiple T20 records on his way to a memorable 151 off just 51 balls. Allen's jaw-dropping knock featured 19 sixes as the New Zealand right-hander took the game away from Washington Freedom in the first half, allowing San Francisco Unicorns to post an insurmountable 269/5 in their 20 overs. In response, team Washington collapsed to 146 all out inside 14 overs.
While all the plaudits from the one-sided first game were reserved for New Zealand's valiant power hitter, Krishnamurthi rejoiced playing his part in the victory. Born in Arizona, US, the youngster held dreams of representing India and shifted to Karnataka to start his cricketing journey. He even earned selection for the Karnataka U-16 side, but Krishnamurthi soon realised he had two major obstacles in the way of donning the India cap. First, his Overseas Citizen of India card would've prevented him from representing the country and second, the insane competition for places right from domestic cricket to the highest level.
'Yeah, from the moment I started playing cricket in India, the goal was to play for India. But I think I was also realistic. That it could happen. But I can't bank on anything happening," Krishnamurthi told The Times Of India. 'Because there are so many other players. And if it doesn't happen, what is my life going to look like? And yet, to make it happen, you have to throw everything at it, you can't go in half-heartedly."
Krishnamurthi, who decided not to give up on his US citizenship, first appeared in the MLC trials back in 2019 before earning a contract with the Unicorns last year. He has been juggling through his computer studies at the San Jose University in San Francisco and duties for the American national cricket team. Krishnamurthi has played 14 ODIs and nine T20Is for USA.
First Published:

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Hans India

38 minutes ago

• Hans India

Chhattisgarh CM arranges funds for softball player Shalu Dahariya to take part in international event

The proverb 'where there is a will, there is a way' became a reality for a Chhattisgarh-based Softball woman player Shalu Dahariya, who has been selected in the Indian team for Women's Softball Asia Cup, which will be held in China early next month. She was thrilled with happiness knowing that she has been included in Indian Women's team for Softball Championship scheduled between July 14 to 20 in China's Xi'an, but still there was uncertainty as her family could not afford the money required for travelling to China. Shalu, who had started playing Softball since her early age, and has won more than a dozen awards, was upset because her parents could not afford to send her to China. She needed Rs 1.7 lakh to participate in China, and this amount was not affordable to her parents. Her father works as a security guard. However, a phone call she received on Sunday morning, filled Shalu and her parents with joy again. The phone call she received was from the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who assured Shalu that financial shortage won't be a hurdle now and assured her that she will go to China to participate in Women's Softball Asia Cup. Talking to Shalu in a video phone call, Chief Minister Sai, said, "Daughter... you are the pride of Chhattisgarh. Don't worry and get ready to leave and participate in Softball Asia Cup in China. The government will pay whatever amount is needed for it. My best wishes to you." The Chief Minister in statement also said that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to provide all possible help to youths. "Our government not only encourages daughters to make their career, but also support them at every step," he added. One hour later, Shalu received another phone call from Janjgir District Collector's office, and she was asked to reach the office. Upon reaching there, Janjgir District Collector Janmejay Mahobe handed over a cheque of Rs 1.7 lakh to Shalu. Shalu's family has expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Sai for providing financial support and encouragement. "We are really thankful to our Chief Minister for his helping hand. We are also happy that he talked to us on phone call. Now, my daughter will live her dream," said Shalu's mother Alka Dahariya.

India.com

43 minutes ago

• India.com

Fact Check: Did Jasprit Bumrah Use Sandpaper During IND vs ENG 1st Test? Heres the Truth Behind the Viral Video

A video featuring Indian fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of speculation and false accusations. The clip, which is being widely circulated by some fans and social media users, claiming that Bumrah was caught using sandpaper during the India vs England 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds. But is there any truth to this claim? Here's what really happened. The Viral Video and False Claims The clip in question shows Bumrah bending down to adjust his shoe during a break in play. As he does so, a small object is seen falling from his footwear. A section of fans, particularly from Australia, jumped on the opportunity to suggest that the object was sandpaper, hinting at ball tampering, a sensitive topic in cricket ever since the infamous 2018 "Sandpapergate" scandal involving Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ganesh (@cricketmerapyar1) What Actually Happened: The Real Story The truth, however, is far from what is being suggested. The video in question isn't from the current IND vs ENG series, but from a Test match in Sydney during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held earlier in 2024–25. And that mysterious object? It was not sandpaper. Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stepped in to clear the air during that time. In a humorous yet direct post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, 'That's a finger protection pad ' The tweet instantly diffusing the situation and clarifying that the item seen in the video was a finger protection pad commonly used by bowlers, not sandpaper. Context Matters: Why the Confusion? Bumrah is known for slipping in shoe padding or wearing protective inserts to reduce the strain on his feet, especially given the high-impact nature of fast bowling. What fell from his shoe was likely such a pad or an inner cushioning used to provide comfort during his delivery stride. Such accessories are entirely legal and common among professional fast bowlers, making the sandpaper allegations baseless. The Real Focus: India vs England 1st Test at Headingley While old videos and false claims were making rounds, Jasprit Bumrah was busy doing what he does best , dismantling batting orders. In the ongoing first Test at Headingley, Bumrah picked up three crucial wickets, showing once again why he is considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world. India posted a formidable 471 runs in the first innings, powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. In response, England are 327/5 in 77 overs during the ongoing match at Leeds. No Sandpaper, Just Sensationalism The claim that Jasprit Bumrah ever used sandpaper is false and based on an out-of-context video from a different series. With Ashwin clarifying the object as a finger pad and no credible evidence of tampering, the controversy appears to be a classic case of internet-fueled misinformation. People should not believe everything they see on internet instead try to read about it properly. This Fact check was in respect for Bumrah who has been relentlessly bowling exceptional for India irrespective of the format or condition.

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

Definitely no politics, but open to coaching India: Sourav Ganguly

Former skipper Sourav Ganguly has categorically ruled out entering politics, but says he is not averse to coaching the Indian team. Ganguly, who will turn 53 this July, was the Team Director of Delhi Capitals between 2018-19 and 2022-24. "I never really thought about it because I got into different roles," Ganguly told PTI in a free-wheeling podcast interview when asked if he would like to coach the Indian team. "I finished (competitive cricket) in 2013 and then became Board (BCCI) President," said Ganguly, noting that his biggest contribution to Indian cricket in that role was to promote women's cricket. When suggested that he could have contributed more by becoming India coach, Ganguly said: "We'll see what the future holds. I'm just 50 (53), so let's see what happens. I'm open to it. We'll see where it goes," the veteran cricket. Live Events One thing he is not getting into is politics. Asked if he would like to join a political party ahead of West Bengal assembly elections in 2026, Ganguly said with a smile: " I am not interested." What if he is promised the state chief minister's post? "I am not interested," he repeated. Asked which party he would like to join if he has a choice, Ganguly said he has never thought about that. "It's not as easy as you say. I get the opportunity (to enter politics) every year but I don't think that's my cup of tea. I have no interest in politics, I just observe because a country and a states' progress is directly attached to people who run it." Ganguly was all praise for incumbent coach Gautam Gambhir , who he feels, has picked up pace as coach since Champions Trophy victory in Dubai earlier this year. "Gautam (Gambhir) is doing a good job. He started off a little slow, losing to Australia and New Zealand, but he picked up with the Champions Trophy. This is going to be a big series (vs England)," Ganguly said. Asked how astute a tactician Gambhir is, Ganguly praised the southpaw's passion and his ability to express his opinions in a straight forward manner. "I haven't seen him from very close in this role, but I know he is very passionate. I haven't observed his strategies closely because I haven't worked with him as a coach. "He's very straightforward, he sees things clearly, and he's very open about what he feels, about the team, players, people, everything. From the outside, you can tell he's a very transparent person - what you see is what you get." Ganguly recollected his playing days when he found Gambhir to be very respectful towards senior. "I've played with him. He was a great guy with a lot of respect for me and the senior players. Even now, I can see he is extremely passionate about his job." Ganguly also feels that with just a year into the job, Gambhir should be allowed time to grow as a coach and learn with passage of time. "I wish him all the best. He's just a year into the job, and this will be an important (England) tour. He struggled a bit in Australia, but just like everyone else, he'll learn, he'll grow, and he'll become better." Ganguly revealed that by the end of 2026 his biopic will release and Rajkumar Rao will be the protagonist. "The shooting will start in January, the pre-production, scripting and story writing takes a lot of time, shooting does not take much time," he said.