Biography of Shailesh Bangera

Early Life

Shailesh Bangera was born on March 9, 1978, in Mumbai, India. Growing up in a city renowned for its cricket culture, Shailesh developed a passion for the sport at a young age. His early exposure to cricket was influenced by the vibrant street cricket scene in Mumbai, where he honed his skills playing with friends. Encouraged by his family, he began to take his cricketing aspirations seriously and joined local clubs to compete at a higher level. Bangera’s talent was evident from a young age, and he soon made his mark in school-level competitions, ultimately leading him to represent various age-group teams and local clubs. His dedication, coupled with his right-handed batting technique, set the foundation for what would become a notable cricketing career.

Domestic Career

Shailesh Bangera's domestic career blossomed in the late 1990s when he was selected to play for the Mumbai Under-19 team. His impressive performances in local leagues and domestic matches caught the attention of selectors, and he eventually debuted for the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team. Bangera displayed immense potential, showing grit and determination on the field, which quickly made him a consistent run-scorer. Over the years, he represented several domestic teams across different formats, including List A and T20. His reliability as a middle-order batsman earned him recognition, and he became known for his ability to anchor innings and play crucial innings in pressure situations.

Debut and International Career

Bangera made his first-class debut in 1997, representing Mumbai, where he showcased his batting prowess. His international career began when he was selected to play for the Israeli national cricket team in 2003, after relocating there. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Denmark, where he exhibited his skills against competitive teams on the international stage. As a player for the Israeli national team, Bangera was part of pivotal matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers and European championships. His experience and technique proved instrumental in helping Israel compete effectively against stronger cricketing nations.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout his career, Shailesh Bangera achieved numerous milestones. His performance in the ODIs often stood out, as he notched up significant innings during crucial matches, helping Israel gain recognition in international cricket. He was known for his resilient batting, scoring important runs in tight situations, which eventually earned him respect among his peers and teams. Bangera was also an integral part of Israel's rise in cricket rankings during the 2010s, as he played a considerable role in developing the sport within the country. His passion for the game extended beyond just playing; he actively contributed to promoting cricket at the grassroots level in Israel, encouraging young talents to take up the sport.

Records

- First player from Israel to score a century against a Full Member nation in an ODI. - Recorded the highest individual score by an Israeli player in an ODI match (170 runs). - Played a crucial role in several matches during the European championships, helping Israel secure vital wins.

Impact on the Game

Shailesh Bangera's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and commitment. His transition from Indian domestic cricket to representing Israel has inspired many aspiring cricketers, proving that determination can help overcome geographical and cultural barriers. He became a beacon for the growth of cricket in Israel, where the sport had historically taken a backseat to others. His legacy lies not just in the statistics but also in the passion he brought to the field and his efforts in nurturing new talent. Bangera's influence continues to be felt in Israeli cricket, as he remains involved in coaching and mentoring young cricketers, aiming to elevate the profile of the game in the country.

Career Statistics

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	Centuries	Half Centuries
ODI	50	45	1780	39.56	3	10
T20	30	28	890	33.57	1	5
First-Class	80	150	5200	38.58	15	25

Conclusion

Shailesh Bangera’s cricket journey reflects his dedication and passion for the sport. His achievements with the Israeli national team and contributions to domestic cricket have cemented his legacy as a key figure in the development of cricket in Israel. His story serves as an inspiration for future generations, proving that with hard work and resilience, dreams can be realized, regardless of where one starts.

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