The entire nation (the neighbouring one too, actually) is going ga-ga over him... Here's our stamp of approval on Irfan Pathan

He's the protagonist of a quintessential success story. A muezzin's son, a nobody from the streets of Baroda goes on to become one of the most celebrated youngsters in the country.

Curly hair, gentle eyes and a grin that can light up a cricket field - a grin that flashes when he takes a wicket. Needless to say, we get to see that happen a lot...

Don't let the shy-boy attitude fool you though. On the field, say goodbye to Mr Nice Guy. The lean frame is charged with an electric urgency to demolish the opponent - a paradox that's absolutely delicious to watch.

Finally - a bowler who can bat! A regular knight in shining armour, this one. Comes charging in with the tail-enders and saves the day. The fact that he looks adorable while doing it doesn't hurt one bit!

It's not just Indian women who go weak in the knees when this dude swings the ball. Even across the border, after the Indo-Pak series, down came posters of the Akhtars and the Samis and giggling Pakistani women said hello to the new poster boy of India...
Steadfastly insists he had nothing to do with his new-found fame and is passing on all the accolades he gets to his family, his teammates and God. Humility in a successful man is very very attractive...

Cricketing greats are certain India has unearthed a gem. Well, who are we to argue with the experts? We're suckers for good-looking heroes, we are!