In a challenging season for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has found himself in the spotlight for an unfortunate reason in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the course of four matches in the IPL 2025 season, Farooqi has bowled a total of 17 overs without claiming a single wicket, conceding 210 runs in the process with an high economy rate of 12.35. It is the most by a bowler without taking any wickets in the IPL history. Previous record was held by Ishant Sharma in IPL 2017.Interestingly, between January 1 2024 and the start of IPL 2025, he was the joint-highest wicket-taker in men’s T20s alongside Wanindu Hasaranga (89).Farooqi, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, was expected to bolster the Royals’ bowling attack, but he has failed to deliver for the Royals.
Despite this rough patch, it’s worth noting that Farooqi has had significant success in other tournaments. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and recorded the best bowling figures in ILT20 history with a 5/16 performance against Dubai Capitals in January 2025.Earlier, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh struck fine half-centuries to rescue Punjab Kings and help them to a competitive 219 for 5 against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. PBKS, currently on 15 points and in a good position to make the playoffs, were reduced to 34/3 in only the fourth over with RR’s right-arm pacer Tushar Deshpande (2/37) getting rid of openers Priyansh Arya (9) and Prabhsimran Singh (21).Who’s that IPL player?But Wadhera blazed to a 37-ball 70, studded with five boundaries and as many sixes, and shared a 67-run fourth-wicket partnership with skipper Shreyas Iyer (30) to bail PBKS out.Wadhera, who struck his third half-century of the season, was also involved in a 58-run fifth-wicket stand with Shashank Singh (59 not out, 30 balls)..A fit-again Sanju Samson was back to lead Rajasthan Royals and replaced Nitish Rana in the XI. Kwena Maphaka was drafted in place of Jofra Archer.
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