Ankit Kalsi

Ankit Kalsi is an accomplished batter playing for and skippering, the star-studded Himachal Pradesh side in Indian domestic cricket.

Since his List A debut during the 2013/14 season, he has played over 50 matches and has particularly dominated first-class cricket, with over 2,500 runs with 9 centuries.

After three solid Ranji Trophy campaigns (2014/15-16/17), Kalsi enjoyed a prolific 2018/19 season hitting 3 centuries amongst 511 runs at 85.16.

His exploits culminated with Duldeep Trophy inclusion for India Red (August 2019). Kalsi excelled on debut hitting a century (106), and fifty (64) against India Blue. His side would go on to win the prestigious competition which acts as the feeder to the National team.

In 2019/20, Kalsi was named captain of the Himachal Pradesh side, but has since relinquished the captaincy duties to Rishi Dhawan. The return of Ranji Trophy cricket in February 2022, following its absence owing to COVID, saw yet another Kalsi century - his 7th in first-class cricket, and alongside 2 further fifties he would end the campaign with 316 runs at 63.20 in his 3 matches.

A stand-out batter, who also bowls very useful left-arm spin, Kalsi is a player destined for higher honours.

In a view of his development, he spent a summer plying his trade in the strong Liverpool ECB Premier League last summer. After a delayed arrival due to visa delays, Kalsi impressed, particularly with the bat scoring 396 at 44.

Given his success, the Indian star has been snapped up by Ashington, home club to England's Mark Wood, for their 2023 North East Premier League campaign.