Scott Kuggeleijn: The Rising Star of New Zealand Cricket. Scott Kuggeleijn is a name that has been making waves in the world of New Zealand cricket in recent years.
The 30-year-old all-rounder has been a standout performer for the Northern Districts in domestic cricket and has impressed in his limited opportunities at the international level.
In this article, we take a closer look at the life and career of Scott Kuggeleijn and examine what makes him such a promising prospect for the future of New Zealand cricket.
Table of contents
Who is Scott Kuggeleijn?
Scott Kuggeleijn was born on January 3, 1992, in Hamilton, New Zealand. He is the son of former New Zealand cricketer Chris Kuggeleijn, who played four Tests and 14 ODIs for the Black Caps in the 1980s.
Scott grew up with cricket in his blood and began playing the sport at a young age. He was a talented all-rounder from the start and made his first-class debut for Northern Districts in 2012 at the age of 20.
Early Career
Kuggeleijn’s early career was hampered by injuries, but he continued to work hard and make progress.
He made his List A debut in 2014 and his T20 debut in 2015, and gradually began to establish himself as a key player for Northern Districts.
He played a crucial role in the team’s triumph in the 2017-18 Super Smash, taking 15 wickets at an average of 16.80 and scoring 66 runs at a strike rate of 183.33.
International Debut
Kuggeleijn made his international debut for New Zealand in a T20 match against Sri Lanka in January 2019. He had a tough start to his international career, conceding 35 runs in his first two overs, but he showed his resilience by coming back to take two wickets in his next two overs.
He was subsequently picked for the ODI series against India, where he took his first international wicket – that of Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
Style of Play
Scott Kuggeleijn is a fast-bowling all-rounder who can also bat in the middle order. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate bounce off the pitch. He is a handy lower-order batsman who can score quick runs and is a reliable fielder.
Kuggeleijn is also a fitness enthusiast who works hard on his physical conditioning and has a sharp cricketing mind.
Future Prospects
Scott Kuggeleijn is still early in his international career, but he has already shown glimpses of his potential. He has a good record in domestic cricket and has impressed in his limited opportunities at the international level.
He is still developing as a player and has the potential to become a valuable asset for New Zealand cricket in the years to come. With his talent, hard work, and determination, Scott Kuggeleijn has all the makings of a rising star in the world of cricket.
Achievements
Scott Kuggeleijn has had an impressive cricket career so far, and here are some of his major records and achievements:
- Best bowling figures in a first-class match: 10/93 (vs Wellington, 2018)
- Best bowling figures in a List A match: 5/41 (vs Canterbury, 2016)
- Best bowling figures in a T20 match: 4/47 (vs Sri Lanka, 2019)
- Took a hat-trick in a List A match against Central Districts in 2018
- Scored his maiden first-class century against Canterbury in 2018
- Has played for New Zealand in all three formats of the game
- Has represented Northern Districts, New Zealand A, and New Zealand in domestic cricket
- Was named in the New Zealand squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
- Helped New Zealand win the 2019-20 Super Smash T20 competition with consistent performances throughout the tournament
- Member of Northern Districts team that won the 2017-18 Super Smash
- First international wicket: Virat Kohli (India)
- Best bowling figures in a T20 match: 3/27 vs India (2019)
- Fastest delivery bowled in an international match: 149 km/h
Scott Kuggeleijn IPL Records
Scott Kuggeleijn has played for two franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Here’s a look at his performances in the tournament:
IPL Career
Kuggeleijn made his IPL debut in 2019 for Chennai Super Kings, but played only one match in the season. He was later signed by Mumbai Indians for the 2020 season, but played just two matches for the team.
IPL Stats
Kuggeleijn’s IPL career stats are as follows:
| Year | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Chennai Super Kings | 1 | 0 | N/A | 14.00 |
| 2020 | Mumbai Indians | 2 | 2 | 2/25 | 11.25 |
| Overall | 3 | 2 | 2/25 | 12.66 |
Best IPL Performances
Kuggeleijn’s best performances in the IPL are as follows:
- 2/25 against Kings XI Punjab for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020
- 0/14 in his only match for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019
Impact on IPL
While Kuggeleijn’s IPL career has been brief so far, he has shown glimpses of his potential as a fast bowler. His performances for Northern Districts and New Zealand A have earned him a reputation as a promising young talent, and he will be eager to translate that into success in the IPL.
With his ability to bowl quick and generate movement off the pitch, Kuggeleijn has the potential to be a valuable asset for any team in the IPL. He will be hoping to get more opportunities in the tournament and make a significant impact in the future.
Controversy
Scott Kuggeleijn’s career has not been without controversy. In 2016, he was accused of rape by a woman he had met in a Hamilton bar. He denied the allegations and was found not guilty in a trial the following year.
The case received widespread media attention and divided public opinion in New Zealand. Kuggeleijn has since expressed regret for his actions and has focused on rebuilding his career and reputation.
Personal Life
Off the field, Scott Kuggeleijn is a private person who prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye. He is married to his longtime girlfriend, Nadine, and the couple has a daughter together.
Kuggeleijn enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and playing video games in his free time.
Conclusion
Scott Kuggeleijn is a rising star in the world of New Zealand cricket. He has had a solid start to his international career and has the potential to become a key player for the Black Caps in the years to come.
With his all-round skills and hardworking attitude, he is a player to watch out for in the future.
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FAQs
A. Kuggeleijn’s best bowling figures in a T20 match are 3/27, which he achieved against India in 2019.
A. Yes, Kuggeleijn was accused of rape in 2016 but was found not guilty in a trial the following year.
A. Scott Kuggeleijn’s father is former New Zealand cricketer Chris Kuggeleijn.
A. Kuggeleijn’s highest score in domestic cricket is 87, which he scored against Central Districts in a List A match in 2016.
A. Kuggeleijn’s fastest delivery bowled in an international match is 149 km/h.
A. Mumbai Indians signed Kuggeleijn for the 2020 IPL season.
