Top five performers from Challenger Trophy
Four matches involving three teams is little time to judge the performance of players but considering a number of fringe players were eyeing a place in India's squad for the upcoming series against Australia, the significance of the Challenger Trophy cannot be stated enough. Based on their performances in the tournament NDTV has put together a list of the top five players from the tournament. This list does not include those were assured of a place in the Indian squad (For example: Bhuvneshwar Kumar).
Four matches involving three teams is little time to judge the performance of players but considering a number of fringe players were eyeing a place in India's squad for the upcoming series against Australia, the significance of the Challenger Trophy cannot be stated enough. Based on their performances in the tournament NDTV has put together a list of the top five players from the tournament. This list does not include those were assured of a place in the Indian squad (For example: Bhuvneshwar Kumar).
5. YUVRAJ SINGH
He missed the first game of the Challenger Trophy with a sore back but bounced back with a bang! Yuvraj Singh produced the innings of the tournament smashing 84 of 53 laced with 5 sixes and 6 fours. Captain Yuvraj's effort helped his side enter the final and win the tournament.
4. PIYUSH CHAWLA
Piyush Chawla was more of an all-rounder than a leg spinner. The leggie made the most of his two opportunities with the bat scoring a 19-ball 40 not out to help India Blue beat India Red and then a crucial 42 off 32 deliveries in the final. With the ball, Chawla ended the tournament with four wickets at a low average of 39.25.
3. VINAY KUMAR
Partnering Bhuvneshwar Kumar - India's best pacer off late - R Vinay Kumar surely lift his game too. With eight wickets in his kitty, the Karnataka pacer jointly finished on top of bowling charts with Bhuvneshwar.
2. ABHISHEK NAYAR
At number two is Abhishek Nayar, the highest run-getter of the tournament with 179 runs in three innings. With scores of 91 off 73 and 39-ball 75 not out, Nayar was the batting mainstay of the victorious India Blue with a blistering strike rate of 145.
1. RAJAT BHATIA
He was skipper Virat Kohli's go to man with the ball. Delhi's Rajat Bhatia was the second-highest wicket-taker, with seven. Bhatia had figures of 3/46 and 4 for 59 in the two matches he bowled in. With the bat, he was the rescue artist for Delhi, finishing with 130 runs at an average of 65.