New Delhi: He has already been declared a teen sensation, and rightly so, the 19-year-old Haseeb Hameed has impressed many with his gritty 177-ball 82 in the third innings of India-England first Test at Rajkot on Sunday.
Now, everyone is asking who's this frail, quiet boy? For one, he is England's 'Baby Boycott', and like many baby Tendulkars in India, he carries burden of expectation.
That's where his real identity starts to take shape.
Born to a migrant family from Gujarat's Bharuch district, Hameed became the youngest debutant for England when he turned up against India in the Rajkot Test.
It's only fitting that the talented batsman was making in the state of his parents. It's like finding his roots, with cricket.
If the many Twitter posts are to be believed, he's already a batting hero in the making. And his performance with the bat said, why not.
For the record, his 82-run knock today made him the third youngest England batsman to hit a Test half-century. He scored a classy 31 in the first essay.
But it was not the runs which impressed the pundits. The Lancashire player showed ample technique and temperament in his two innings in Rajkot, giving enough hints that he is ready for the big stage.
Here are some Twitter post, in his appreciation
Looks like @ECB_cricket have found an absolute beauty in @HaseebHameed97 #IndvsEng
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 12, 2016
If Haseeb Hameed dosen't score 10000+ Test runs, then I dont know my cricket#IndvEng
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 12, 2016
This young man @HaseebHameed97 looks the real deal. Remarkable composure/confidence for a 19-yr-old Test debutant. #IndvsEng pic.twitter.com/SyBCopcsOh
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 12, 2016
Fantastic batting from @HaseebHameed97 who becomes a third youngest player ever to score a half century for @englandcricket. Bat on, now! pic.twitter.com/xsQJCO2S8Q
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) November 12, 2016
Well played @HaseebHameed97 , the first of many. Congratulations to all of the Hameed family.
— Ashley Giles (@Gilo) November 12, 2016
Unforgettable 1st Test for debutant Haseeb Hameed! What an outrageous talent this young man is!
England 89-0 #INDvENG #hameed pic.twitter.com/HCeOhoflkT
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 12, 2016
Another good day. Awesome from my little bro @HaseebHameed97
Looked class! pic.twitter.com/QPpFGtErX7— Moeen Ali (@MoeenAli) November 12, 2016
Great work in the field by all the bowlers and lovely watching @HaseebHameed97 & Cooky play tonight! Makes tomorrow interesting! #ComeOnEng
— Joe Root (@root66) November 12, 2016
Huge credit to the guys this week, some great and a lot of skill on show. Special mention to @AdilRashid03 and @HaseebHameed97
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) November 13, 2016
Brilliant from the young maestro @HaseebHameed97 on debut !! A great role model for my boys and all young cricketers
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) November 13, 2016
Some great performances in Rajkot this week @benstokes38 @MoeenAli @root66 @AdilRashid03 and special mention to @HaseebHameed97 on debut
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) November 13, 2016
Hameed produced a brilliant 180-run opening stand with skipper Alastair Cook, who himself notched up a century, allowed England to dominate the match against India.
The match, however, ended in a draw with India captain Virat Kohli player the role of a saviour for the hosts.
