Raj Singh Bawa, one of the stars of the U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022 was never really interested in cricket as a child. He was a good student in school scoring good grades till he was 13. Back during that time, Dharamshala hosted an international match where Raj's father, Sukhwinder Singh Bawa, decided to take his son to witness the game live.

Read also: ICC U19 World Cup: Most wickets in U19 World Cup Final

He was a topper in his school: Sukhwinder Bawa on Raj Bawa

Little did anyone know that this match is going to change the life of the teenager. Slowly Raj started shifting his concentration from studies to cricket. It didn't go unnoticed by his father. Sukhwinder once shared with PTI, He started playing when he was 11 or 12 years old before that he wasn't interested in it. He liked to listen and dance to Punjabi songs on the television. "He went on tour with me to Dharamshala and saw a lot of intense matches being played out. After that, he started sitting with me in team meetings and his interest in cricket arose from there. After that, he started playing seriously".

On being asked aout Raj's studies, Sukhwinder said, "He was a topper in his school. Even in class ninth, he came second in school."

Read also: 5 youngsters who can make their name in IPL 2022

Sporting skills actually run in their genes. Tarlochan Singh Bawa, father of Sukhwinder Singh Bawa played with Balbir Singh Senior, Leslie Claudius, and Keshav Dutt to clinch the gold medal in the 1948 London Olympics. Sukhwinder himself was the U-19 coach of Yuvraj Singh. And now, Raj Bawa is carrying the family's legacy.

I used to imitate Yuvraj Singh while batting: Raj on his favorite

Raj saw his idol Yuvi Paaji training with his father as a child. Soon he started getting inspired by the great Yuvraj Singh. Raj shared, "My father trained Yuvraj Singh. I used to watch him when I was a kid. I used to imitate Yuvraj Singh while batting, I watched his batting videos. He's my role model." Raj even wears the number 12 jersey, the same as his role model.

Yuvraj influenced Raj to such an extent that even after being a right-hander, he started playing like the southpaw. Sukhwinder further said, "When he was a kid, Raj kept on watching Yuvraj, who could come for his nets at the academy and for kids, the first hero makes a lasting impression. So, when Raj picked that bat he picked from the left but everything else — bowling, throwing, etc he would do from the right hand. I tried to correct him but when I would turn around, he again held the bat with a left-handed stance. So, then I let it be."

Raj is now at the beginning of a very long journey. It will be quite exciting for him to live these days.

Some legendary Indian cricketers left their impact beyond the scorecards and records, which earned them an everlasting tribute. Their legacies live on the stadiums where they created their cricketing magic.

Curious to know the ones who had their contributions honored with their names on a stadium stand or pavilion? Scroll down to discover the 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, has 2 stands named after him. He was also honoured with a gate named after him at the Sydney Cricket Ground, unveiled on his 50th birthday.

• Sachin Tendulkar Pavilion: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Sachin Tendulkar Stand: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE 

2. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli was honored for his outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian cricket with a pavilion named after him in his home city, Delhi.

• Virat Kohli Pavilion: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi 

Read Also: Top 5 Records of Virat Kohli that might never be broken

3. MS Dhoni

Honoring the hometown hero, MS Dhoni Pavilion was named as a tribute to his legendary captaincy and achievements.

• MS Dhoni Pavilion: JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi

4. Rohit Sharma 

Acknowledging Rohit Sharma's elegant batting and leadership for India, the stand named after him at the Wankhede is a recent addition, inaugurated in 2025.

• Rohit Sharma Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

5. Sourav Ganguly 

Sourav Ganguly stand, unveiled in 2017, is a tribute to dada, not only for his influential captaincy, but also for his contributions as the former president of CAB and BCCI.

• Sourav Ganguly Stand: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

6. Sunil Gavaskar 

The pavilion named after Sunil Gavaskar stands as a lasting tribute for the cricketing legend.

• Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

7. Yuvraj Singh 

The world cup hero and local boy of Punjab, Yuvraj Singh, was honored with a joint ceremony where two stands were named after him and his teammate, Harbhajan Singh.

• Yuvraj Singh Stand: PCA I.S. Bindra Stadium, Punjab

8. Harbhajan Singh 

The legendary spin master and Punjab's homeboy, Harbhajan Singh, received this everlasting tribute when a stand was named after him in 2022.

• Harbhajan Singh Stand: PCA I.S. Bindra Stadium, Punjab

Read Also: 'MS Dhoni cried that night,' Harbhajan Singh shared the CSK captain's rare emotional moment

9. VVS Laxman 

Known for his elegant batting style, VVS Laxman was given the tribute with a pavilion named after him at his hometown (Hyderabad).

• VVS Laxman Pavilion: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 

10. Mohammad Azharuddin 

The former captain of Indian team, Mohammad Azharuddin, was honored with a stand at his beloved ground in his homecity, Hyderabad.

• Mohammad Azharuddin Stand: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 

11. Jhulan Goswami

In 2023, Eden Gardens celebrated and honored the legendary pride of Bengal, Jhulan Goswami. Her name stands as the only woman on this list to achieve this milestone.

• Jhulan Goswami Stand: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Read Also: From Chakdah to Lords: Adios, Jhulan Goswami

12. Gautam Gambhir

From crucial role in World Cup victories for India, to his role as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir truly deserves the stand named after him in his home ground.

• Gautam Gambhir Stand: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

13. Dilip Vengsarkar 

Wankhede holds the name of many spectacular players and Dilip Vengsarkar is one of them. It celebrates he golden moments in cricket.

• Dilip Vengsarkar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

14. Vijay Merchant 

Yet another elegant player to have a stand named after them at the Wankhede. Vijay Merchant's quality contributions are highly appreciated.

• Vijay Merchant Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

15. Ajit Wadekar

The former Indian captain and influential figure, Ajit Wadekar, holds a prestigious stand named after him, alongside Sharad Pawar.

• Ajit Wadekar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

16. Virender Sehwag

While we discuss stands or pavilions, it is worth noting that the gate no. 2 at Arun Jaitley Stadium was named after the legendary cricketer, Virender Sehwag, as a tribute.

• Virended Sehwag GATE: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi 

MI skipper Hardik Pandya went on to script history as he became the first-ever skipper in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul. Hardik’s spell of 5 for 36 is also his best-ever bowling figures in T20 cricket.

Hardik’s fifth wicket was also his 30th IPL wicket as a skipper, which takes him level with Anil Kumble’s tally of 30 wickets as the second-most wickets in IPL as a captain.. Former Aussie great and Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne is the only bowler ahead of him with 57 wickets.

Also Read: Most wins in IPL as captain

So, let's take a look at the players with most wickets in IPL as a captain.

10. Shane Watson | 13 Wickets

Shane Watson is placed at no. 10 with 13 wickets to his name. Watson led the Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 and 2015 ipl seasons. Under his captaincy in 2015 Rajasthan also qualifies for the playoffs. He also led Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017 for some matches as interim captain.

A notable all-rounder, Watson also mustered 2372 runs with the bat for RR at 36.49. He smashed two tons and 14 fifties. Overall, the Aussie hammered 3874 runs (100s: 4, 50s: 21). He hit 190 sixes.

9. Sam Curran | 13 Wickets

English all rounder Sam Curran comes in with 13 wickets. Sam Curran led Punjab Kings in 11 matches of the IPL 2024 as Shikhar Dhawan was injured. That year, Sam Curran showed his brilliant all round game by clinching 16 wickets and scoring 270 runs in 13 matches ,but punjab couldn’t do well finishing at 9th position just above Mumbai Indians.

8. Daniel Vettori | 17 Wickets

Former New Zealand allrounder Daniel Vettori comes at 8th position in this list. He led Royal Challengers Banglore in 2011 and 2012 IPL.

As a captain Vettori has taken 17 wickets for RCB. Under his captaincy, Rcb also reached the final of 2011 IPL season but lost to csk.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 18 Wickets

Yuvraj Singh has taken 18 wickets as a captain in IPL and placed at no. 6 in this list. He captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2008-2009 season and Pune Warriors in 2011. 

Yuvi also has two hat-tricks to his name in IPL, which he took against RCB and Deccan Charges in the 2009 season. He is only the second bowler in IPL history to take multi hat-tricks in IPL, after Amit Mishra, who has taken 3 hat-tricks in IPL.

Also Read: IPL records: 5 youngest centurion in IPL

6. Zaheer Khan | 20 Wickets

Indian pace legend Zaheer Khan has captained Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016 and 2017. He is placed fifth in the list of highest wicket taking captains in ipl with 20 wickets. 

In 2017, Zaheer Khan was overall 10th or 9th Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in the IPL. After 2017, Zaheer Khan took retirement from all formats of cricket.

5. Pat Cummins | 21 Wickets

Australia’s captain and SRH skipper Pat Cummins has taken 21 wickets as a captain in IPL. Cummins comes at fourth position in this list. 

Cummins is also the second highest wicket-taker as a captain in a single season, taking 18 wickets, just behind Shane Warne, who took 19 wickets in the 2008 season. With the help of this brilliant performance by Cummins, SRH also reached the 2024 IPL final.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 25 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin led Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. 

As a captain he has taken 25 wickets and grabs the third position in the list of most wickets in IPL as captain. In 2019 R Ashwin took 15 wickets for Punjab Kings with an economy rate of 7.27.

2. Hardik Pandya | 30 Wickets

Next we have, Hardik Pandya who joins Anil Kumble in this list. Pandya ranks second in the elite list of captains with the most wickets in IPL. 

Till now, as a captain Hardik has taken 30 wickets in IPL. Pandya has led Gujrat Titans in 2022- 2023 season and out of that in 2022, under Hardik’s captaincy, Gujarat won the trophy in its first season and was runner up in 2023. Since 2024, Hardik has been captaining Mumbai Indians.

In 2025 season, Hardik became the first-ever captain in IPL history to claim a five-wicket haul during the match against Lucknow Super Giants in Ekana Cricket Stadium. Pandya's fiery spell of 5 for 36 was also his personal best in T20 cricket.

2. Anil Kumble | 30 Wickets

Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble is the second highest wicket taker in IPL as captain with 30 wickets. He led Royal Challengers Banglore in 2009- 2010. 

As a player, Kumble had a good run, ending the 2009 season as highest wicket taker for Rcb and overall second highest wicket taker with 21 wickets at an economy rate of 5.86 . He also took his team to the finals in 2009.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

1. Shane Warne | 57 Wickets

The late Shane Warne is the record holder for the most wickets in IPL as captain. Leg-spinner Warne represented the Royals across four IPL seasons, claiming 57 scalps from 55 matches at 25.38. He took one four-wicket haul.

Warne also captained Rajasthan Royals to win the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. The 2008 campaign saw the multiple World Cup-winning ace pick up 19 wickets from 15 games at 21.26. He was the side’s second-highest wicket-taker after Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir (22 wickets). Notably, Tanvir won the Purple Cap that season. 

Warne took 14 wickets in 2009, 11 wickets in 2010 and 13 wickets in 2011 to highlight his consistency.

Yograj Singh, father of former Team India batsman Yuvraj Singh, made a big revelation about how he had reached Kapil Dev's house with a gun once in anger to kill him for dropping him from the team.

Also Read: 14-year-old Ira Jadhav creates a history: Scores unbeaten 346

Yograj Singh often remains in the headlines due to his statements. Often Yograj also refreshes old memories with his statements.

'He dropped me for no reason'

While talking to Unfiltered by Samdish's, Yogra Singh said, "When Kapil Dev became captain of India, North Zone, and Haryana, he dropped me for no reason. My wife wanted me to ask Kapil questions. I told her that I would teach this bloody man a lesson. I took my pistol out, I went to Kapil’s house in Sector 9."

"I want to put a bullet through your head, but I am not doing it because you have a very pious mother, who is standing here," 

'I never forgave Bishan Singh Bedi'

“These guys, including Bishan Singh Bedi, they plotted against me. I never forgave Bishan Singh Bedi. The man died on his bed,” Yograj said.

“When I was dropped I spoke Ravindra Chadha, one of the selectors. He told me that Bishan Singh Bedi (the chief selector) didn’t wanted to pick me because they thought I was Sunil Gavaskar’s man and because I was playing cricket in Mumbai. I was very close to Gavaskar.” 

Yograj played 7 international matches

Like Yuvraj Singh, his father Yograj Singh could not become a big and successful cricketer. He wanted to make a career in cricket but he was disappointed. 

Yograj's career was limited to just 7 matches. He took one wicket while playing one test for India. He also took 4 wickets in six ODI matches. 

Yograj made his ODI debut in 1980 and his Test debut in 1981. However, his international career also came to an end in the year 1981 itself.

In India, cricket and films have great admirers across the country, and time and again, we saw how cricketers begin their second innings with the silver screen. There are not just one but many players of Team India who have acted in films of regional languages ​​including Bollywood. So let's take a look at the top 8 Indian cricketers who acted in movies.

Also Read: Can you name the Indian cricketer who won a National Award in Indian cinema?

Cricketers who acted in movies

8. S. Sreesanth

Former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth was arrested on charges of spot-fixing during IPL and after the ban, the cricketer tried his luck in the acting. From 'Aksar 2' to 'Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal', Sreesanth appeared in five films.

7. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, who took 400 wickets in Test cricket and more than 250 wickets in ODI cricket, is one of the top cricketers who acted in movies. Harbhajan was seen in the film 'Bha Ji in Problem', made in the co-production of Akshar Kumar, and 'Friendship'. Apart from this, he was seen in a TV show named 'Roadies Rising'.

6. Vinod Kambli

Former Team India player and Sachin Tendulkar's childhood friend Vinod Kambli has also made his mark on the big screen. Vinod Kambli worked in the film 'Annarth' starring Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty, 'Pal Pal Dil Ke Saat' and 'Bettanagere'. 

5. Shikhar Dhawan

Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan made a cameo appearance in the Bollywood film 'Double XL', and it was a surprise for many for sure. The film features Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles.

Also Read: Most Partnership runs for India in all formats

4. Ajay Jadeja 

Team India's former all-rounder player Ajay Jadeja, appeared in several films after retiring from cricket in 2003. He began his film career with the movie 'Khel' and went on to act in films like 'Pal Pal Dil Ke Saath'. Apart from this, he also appeared in the reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

3. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh Yuvraj Singh played a very small role as the voice of a character in the 2008 animated movie, Jumbo. He has worked with his father Yograj Singh in several Punjabi films as a child actor. He played a cameo in a Punjabi movie 'Mehndi Shagna Di' at the age of 11. 

2. Sunil Gavaskar 

Veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who became the first to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, also worked in a Marathi film. The name of this film was 'Savil Premachi'. Apart from this, he was also seen as a guest artist in the Bollywood movie 'Maalamaal' starring Naseeruddin Shah.

Also Read: Most matches played as captain

1. Kapil Dev

Fondly known as the Haryana Hurricane, Kapil Dev, the Indian captain who led the team to a World Cup victory in 1983, has starred in a host of movies including '83', 'Iqbal', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogii', 'Stumped', and 'Dillagi Yeh Dillagi'.