Superman hangs up his cape

Defining him as an explosive batsman was an understatement, for he changed that definition twice in six months as West Indies bore the brunt in 2015

On May 17, Superman was spotted in Bengaluru. Sunrisers Hyderabad were trying to chase an improbable 219, and English opener Alex Hales provided a quick start. On the final ball of the eighth over, he smacked compatriot Moeen Ali over deep mid-wicket, and the entire cricketing universe held its breath as the ball looked set to sail for six.

Then, a blur in red (Royal Challenger Bangalore’s jersey) flew up — right hand outstretched, plucking the ball out, safely within the boundary. It was the most tantalising moment of T20 cricket history, and arguably the greatest bit of fielding since Jonty