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Mohammad Azharuddin is a name that all cricket fans can relate to. The former captain of India, who played 334 ODIs and 99 Test matches and is renowned for his great stroke play and astute leadership, made a lasting and remarkable impact on cricket.
Mohammad Azharuddin of Kerala, however, has had an equally intriguing journey to this point.
Born in Thalangara, Kasaragod, in March 1994, he is the eighth child of BK Moidu and Nabeesa. Ironically, his parents first thought of naming him Ajmal, but his older brother Kamaruddeen, a cricket enthusiast, insisted on naming his younger brother after his idol. At the time, Indian batsman Mohammad Azharuddin was captaining the team in New Zealand.
As the year 2025 rolled around, yet another cricketer with a legendary name was making history. On a captivating Day 2 of the first Ranji Trophy semi-final in Ahmedabad, Mohammed Azharuddeen of Kerala remained composed and took ownership of his moment of brilliance against Gujarat.
As the first player from Kerala to achieve a century in the final four of India’s top domestic competition, Mohammad Azharuddin cemented his place in history. By the end of the second day, Kerala had a commanding 418 for seven thanks to the 30-year-old batter’s undefeated 149.
He entered at a vulnerable 157 for four, with Kerala under pressure. But his calmness and strength changed the outcome of the game. He formed vital alliances, first with captain Sachin Baby and later with Salman Nizar, progressively accelerating the innings toward supremacy.
Given that this unconventional knock is only Mohammad Azharuddin second first-class century, the timing couldn’t have been more ideal. His capacity to perform well under duress demonstrated his developing skill in domestic cricket.
As Mohammed Azharuddeen makes his mark and demonstrates how to leave his own legacy on the field, it’s interesting to note that the name that made waves once is now making waves in Indian cricket.
India
