India-born Bharat Popli named NZ's domestic cricketer of the year

Indian Born Bharat Popli has been named New Zealand's 'Domestic Player of the Year' following his 1000-run summer for Northern Districts. Popli, who was born in Indian capital Delhi, scored 1149 runs at an average of 65.78 in the Plunket Shield to win the award.

Bharat Popli is just the fourth batsman to reach four figures in a Plunket Shield season. He scored three centuries and a top score of 172 against the Devon Hotel Central Stags, and on three other occasions he was dismissed in the nineties.

Bharat Popli is third on the all-time season list behind the late Martin Crowe (1348 runs in 1986-87) and England international Graeme Hick (1228 in 1988-89).