Aryan Dutt, the 22-year-old Dutch off-spinner, delivered a standout performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, claiming 2/19 in four overs against defending champions India on Feb.18, including the prized wicket of world No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma for a third consecutive duck in the tournament. His economical spell helped Netherlands restrict India to 193/6 before the Dutch fell short by 17 runs, but Dutt’s control in the powerplay earned praise as the pick of the bowlers.

Born in The Hague to Punjabi-Indian heritage, Dutt has emerged as a key figure in the Netherlands’ associate-nation cricket renaissance, blending tall-frame leverage with sharp spin to trouble top international lineups.

Here are 10 key things to know about Aryan Dutt, the rising star whose recent exploits highlight the growing depth of Dutch cricket.

1. Early Life and Heritage Aryan Dutt was born May 12, 2003, in The Hague, Netherlands. His father hails from Punjab, India, with his parents migrating to the Netherlands in the 1980s. Raised in The Hague, Dutt grew up immersed in a multicultural environment that fueled his passion for cricket through local clubs.
2. Youth Development at Voorburg CC Dutt honed his skills in the productive Voorburg Cricket Club academy, one of the Netherlands’ premier development programs. Initially viewed as a triple-threat — opening the batting and bowling before specializing in off-spin — he transitioned fully to spin, capitalizing on his 6-foot frame for extra bounce and revs.
3. International Debut at 18 Dutt made his senior debut for the Netherlands in June 2021 during a T20I series against Scotland. He quickly established himself in limited-overs formats, earning spots in both ODI and T20I squads by leveraging economical spells and middle-order contributions.
4. Breakout in 2023 World Cup During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Dutt opened the bowling in several matches, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His performances against full-member nations helped Netherlands secure notable upsets and boosted his profile on the global stage.
5. T20 World Cup 2026 Heroics In the Feb. 18, 2026, clash with India in Ahmedabad, Dutt struck early: clean-bowling Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck on the third ball and later dismissing Ishan Kishan in unusual fashion (ball off arm onto stumps). Finishing with 2/19 in four overs, he dominated the powerplay, denying India boundaries for long stretches and earning acclaim as Netherlands’ standout bowler.
6. Career Stats and Rankings As of February 2026, Dutt has taken 27 T20I wickets at an average of 22.93, with strong economy rates in high-pressure games. In ODIs, he ranks around No. 44 among bowlers, while sitting at No. 57 in T20Is and No. 87 as an all-rounder. He has scored 127 T20I runs at a strike rate reflecting utility batting.
7. All-Round Capabilities Though primarily an off-spinner, Dutt’s early career saw him open batting and bowling in youth cricket. He contributes handy lower-middle-order runs and has taken key catches in the field, adding versatility to the Dutch lineup alongside players like Bas de Leede and Logan van Beek.
8. Social Media Presence Dutt maintains an active Instagram account (@aryan.dutt) with over 11,000 followers, sharing glimpses of training, matches and personal moments. Posts from the 2026 T20 World Cup highlight his calm demeanor and team spirit amid big-stage pressure.
9. Role in Netherlands’ Rise As an associate nation, Netherlands relies on talents like Dutt to punch above their weight. His ability to exploit turning conditions and control run rates has been crucial in competitive matches against India, Sri Lanka and others, helping elevate Dutch cricket’s profile in ICC events.
10. Future Outlook At just 22, Dutt is poised for further growth with potential domestic league opportunities and continued ICC tournaments. His recent spell against India’s star-studded batting order signals he could become a mainstay in global T20 cricket, inspiring the next generation of Dutch players of South Asian descent.

Dutt’s performance against India — including dismissing the tournament’s top-ranked batter — underscores his rising stature, even in defeat for Netherlands. As the T20 World Cup progresses toward the Super Eight and beyond, expect the young spinner to remain a focal point for associate cricket enthusiasts.

Jutta Leerdam, the 27-year-old Dutch speed skater and social media sensation, delivered a standout performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, winning gold in the women’s 1000m with an Olympic record and silver in the 500m — her third career Olympic medal — while embracing her growing global spotlight to inspire young athletes.

Engaged to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul since March 2025, Leerdam has transcended traditional sports stardom with millions of followers, major brand deals and viral moments, including a post-race unzipping of her suit that sparked widespread media attention and potential seven-figure endorsement opportunities.

Here are 10 key things to know about Leerdam, whose achievements and off-ice influence have made her one of the most recognizable figures in winter sports.

1. Olympic Breakthrough at Milano Cortina 2026 Leerdam claimed her first Olympic gold in the women’s 1000m on Feb. 9, clocking an Olympic-record 1:12.31 to edge teammate Femke Kok (silver) and break the previous mark. She followed with silver in the 500m on Feb. 15 behind Kok, competing while battling illness — a feat she called “unbelievable” on Instagram.
2. From Beijing Silver to Triple Medalist Leerdam earned silver in the 1000m at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, her debut Games. The 2026 haul — gold and silver — brings her career Olympic tally to one gold and two silvers, establishing her as a dominant force in sprint distances.
3. World and European Champion Pedigree A two-time world single-distance champion in the 1000m (2020, 2023), Leerdam boasts 12 world championship medals, including six golds overall. She has also secured multiple European titles and consistent World Cup podiums, cementing her status in the Netherlands’ powerhouse speed skating program.
4. Late Start in Speed Skating Born Dec. 30, 1998, in ‘s-Gravenzande, Netherlands, Leerdam began speed skating at age 11 after playing field hockey. She quickly rose through junior ranks, debuting internationally at the 2017 World Junior Championships and turning pro in 2019.
5. Social Media Powerhouse With over 6.5 million Instagram followers and millions more on TikTok, Leerdam uses her platform to promote speed skating and inspire young girls. She has described social media as a tool to “show little girls they can do it too,” blending athletic content with personal life glimpses.
6. High-Profile Engagement to Jake Paul Leerdam became engaged to Jake Paul in March 2025. Paul has been a visible supporter at her races, including emotional reactions to her 2026 gold. The couple’s relationship has amplified her visibility, drawing crossover attention from boxing and influencer circles.
7. Viral Post-Race Moment Sparks Endorsement Buzz After her 1000m gold, Leerdam unzipped her FILA racing suit to reveal a Nike sports bra, a move that went viral and drew praise from the brand. Advertising experts estimate the exposure could net her up to $1 million in bonuses or future deals, highlighting her marketability.
8. Overcoming Challenges On and Off Ice Leerdam has navigated injuries, high expectations and public scrutiny, including a 2022 controversy over private jet use. Her resilience shone in 2026 when she raced the 500m while sick, posting, “I woke up sick yesterday. I don’t know how I pulled this off, but so happy I did!!!”
9. Redefining the Modern Female Athlete Leerdam balances elite performance with bold off-ice pursuits, including sportswear campaigns featuring lingerie-inspired pieces. Media outlets like Hola! praise her for redefining strength and femininity, merging athletic prowess with confident self-expression.
10. Inspiring the Next Generation Post-Olympics, Leerdam reflected on using her platform for positive impact. With her record-setting performances and massive following, she continues to grow the sport’s appeal, particularly among young women, as the Netherlands dominates speed skating on the world stage.

As Leerdam celebrates her 2026 triumphs and looks ahead, her blend of on-ice excellence and off-ice influence positions her as a defining figure in winter sports for years to come.