Iqbal Siddiqui

Known for explosive bowling performances and gritty batting knocks, Iqbal Siddiqui made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 1992-93 Ranji Trophy knock-out match against Railways. Playing in the interim for Hyderabad and turning out currently for Maharashtra, the hard-working Siddiqui also represents England club sides in the Indian off-season, hoping to work on his craft and his fitness through the uncompromising regimen followed there.

Siddiqui uses his sturdy frame and easy run-up to generate considerable pace. His forte, however, is the movement in the air and off the pitch that has the potential to baffle any batsman and rip through entire batting line- ups, as happened during his best analysis of 8-72. On his day, he is virtually unplayable; unfortunately, he has also been erratic at times, delaying his first call-up to the national side by almost a decade from his first-class debut. Siddiqui is no mug with the bat either; with a highest score of 116 and two fifties to his credit, he has shown significant ability with the willow to be relied upon when vital runs are needed. (Samanth Subramanian)