India, April 1 -- Sunrisers Hyderabad have unearthed a new batting star, suitable to their aggressive brand of game. He might have gone unnoticed in the season opener against Rajasthan Royals, where Ishan Kishan smashed a century, but Aniket Verma made a name for himself with his fiery knocks of 36 off 13 against Lucknow Super Giants and a 41-ball 74 against Delhi Capitals. But the stunning display of ball-striking and ability to clear the boundary ropes at will was an art he picked up from India star Hardik Pandya, whose strokeplay and back story had captivated Aniket at a young age.

Although it has been told and retold over the last decade, Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani recently reiterated the story in an interview with News 18 of h...