Ajaz Patel: From Auckland’s Streets to Cricket History
Ajaz Patel’s return to Mumbai, the city he left as an 8-year-old, turned into a dream come true when he made history on Saturday. The New Zealand spinner became only the third cricketer in history to take 10 wickets in a Test innings, joining the ranks of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble. His remarkable achievement was met with applause at Wankhede Stadium as Ajaz raised the ball after taking his 10th wicket, a moment that truly encapsulated the magic of cricket.
From Mumbai to Auckland: A Surprising Start in Cricket
Ajaz Patel’s journey to becoming a world-class spinner wasn’t a conventional one. Born in Mumbai, he moved to Auckland with his family, where his parents focused on settling into their new life. Ajaz’s father, Yunus, had opened a refrigerator repair shop, and young Ajaz was adjusting to his new life in a foreign country. “I was more of a school and home guy. I didn’t have many friends to play cricket with,” Ajaz recalled in an interview before his debut. Although he played cricket casually with cousins and friends back in Mumbai, he had no serious aspirations to pursue the game.
However, it was his aunt who played a pivotal role in his cricketing journey, encouraging him to join a local cricket club. Initially, Ajaz, who was naturally left-handed and tall for his age, was groomed as a fast bowler. His early years were marked by moderate success at the age-group level, playing alongside future Black Caps stars like Martin Guptill and Jeet Raval. But after being left out of the New Zealand U-19 World Cup squad, Ajaz began to reconsider his cricketing future.
A Pivotal Conversation
Ajaz had a heart-to-heart with Auckland U-19 coach, Dipak Patel, a former New Zealand off-spinner. He asked Patel if he should focus on batting or continue bowling spin, a role he occasionally experimented with in the nets. Patel’s response was encouraging: he took Ajaz to the nets, and after watching him bowl, he was convinced of Ajaz’s potential as a spinner. “Once he got the hang of it, he was unstoppable,” Patel recalls. Ajaz’s commitment to mastering his craft was evident: he set personal goals of bowling 1,000 deliveries a day and would often bowl for hours without pause.
Patel emphasized the importance of an organic development process, encouraging Ajaz to play as many club matches as possible. Despite being one of the top wicket-takers at the club level, breaking into Auckland’s domestic team was tough due to the presence of established spinners. As a result, Ajaz decided to relocate to Napier and join the Taradale Club, where he could push for a spot in Central Districts. This meant living away from home for the first time, which was a challenge, but Ajaz soon adapted and began making strong connections at the club.
First-Class Breakthrough
Ajaz’s hard work began to pay off, and in December 2012, he made his first-class debut. He dominated the Plunket Shield, finishing as the top wicket-taker for three consecutive seasons, including a title-winning campaign with Central Districts. However, the road to international recognition was still long. With New Zealand searching for a spin-bowling solution after the retirement of Daniel Vettori, Ajaz had to bide his time as Mitchell Santner established himself as the first-choice spinner.
Ajaz kept refining his game, learning to vary his spin, use the crease better, and become a more mature bowler. He also gained experience playing in different conditions, including a stint with Cranleigh Cricket Club in the Surrey league and bowling for the Mumbai Indians. Just before turning 30, he received the call-up to tour the UAE with the New Zealand team to face Pakistan, after injuries to Santner and Todd Astle opened up a spot.
Instant Impact on the International Stage
Ajaz’s long wait to make his mark on the international stage ended with a bang. In the Abu Dhabi Test, he picked up five wickets in the second innings, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s memorable four-run victory. The achievement was a dream come true for Ajaz, who could hardly believe what he had just done. Back in Auckland, his parents celebrated the moment with phone calls to their relatives in Mumbai and Bharuch. “It’s a gift of hard work and reward,” Ajaz said after the match.
He went on to take 13 wickets in the series and followed it up with another strong performance in Sri Lanka, where he claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul. Despite his impressive performances, New Zealand’s preference for spin-bowling all-rounders limited Ajaz’s opportunities. However, Santner’s injury opened the door for him once again, giving Ajaz another chance to cement his place in the team.
Ajaz’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and hard work. From an uncertain start in Auckland to becoming a history-making Test cricketer, his journey serves as an inspiring tale of making the most of every opportunity. As Ajaz himself says, “I would look to make the best use of my opportunity, whenever I get that.”