Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Zeeshan Ansari Credits Muralitharan, Vettori For Bowling Revival
Zeeshan Ansari is a cricket bowler from Uttar Pradesh.
He says he learned useful bowling ideas from Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori at Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Former India spinner Piyush Chawla has also given him advice.
Ansari has taken 14 wickets in six matches in the UP T20 League.
His team, Meerut Mavericks, has won all six of its matches.
He is preparing to play the Duleep Trophy, which uses the longer red-ball format.
In that format, he expects to bowl much more than in a T20 match.
He says he must stay consistent, give the ball flight, and study each batter.
Ansari is focusing on his next match rather than worrying about his past or future.
Zeeshan Ansari says Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori improved his bowling during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner returned to strong form nearly five years after his last Ranji Trophy appearance for the state in 2020.
Ansari has taken 14 wickets in six UP T20 League matches for unbeaten Meerut Mavericks.
He was selected for India A’s two unofficial Tests in Sri Lanka and plans to play the Duleep Trophy.
Ansari says consistency, using flight, and understanding batters will be crucial in his transition to red-ball cricket.
- Who
- Zeeshan Ansari, a 26-year-old Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner, along with mentors Muttiah Muralitharan, Daniel Vettori, and Piyush Chawla.
- What
- Ansari discussed his bowling development, recent comeback, UP T20 League form, and preparation for the Duleep Trophy.
- When
- The report was published on August 24; Ansari said he expected to play his final UP T20 League match before the Duleep Trophy.
- Where
- Ansari spoke to PTI Videos; his recent matches were in the UP T20 League, and he was selected for India A’s matches in Sri Lanka.
- Why
- He wants to build consistency and perform well in red-ball cricket after returning to form.
- Player
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Age
- 26
- UP T20 League wickets
- 14 wickets in six matches
- Team record
- Meerut Mavericks have won all six matches
- Recent selection
- Picked for India A’s two unofficial Tests in Sri Lanka
- State comeback
- Returned to strong form nearly five years after his last Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy appearance in 2020
- Key mentors
- Muttiah Muralitharan, Daniel Vettori, and Piyush Chawla