Arvind Raju

Arvind Raju, born on the turn of the millennium—1st January 2001—in the cricket-loving city of Bengaluru, India, embodies the spirit of modern cricket. His journey began in the dusty streets near Cubbon Park, where, as a boy, he would mimic his local heroes with a beaten-up bat and plenty of dreams. The youngest of three siblings, Arvind felt early on the allure of cricket’s rich tapestry, stepped onto a school cricket pitch, and never looked back.

His adolescent years were marked by an intense enthusiasm for the game. Arvind’s first breakthrough came during an under-19 state championship, where his cavalier 109 off 85 balls gained him an unexpected selection in the Ranji Trophy squad. A debut against the stalwarts of Tamil Nadu saw him announcing his arrival with a brisk 67 not out, offering glimpses of an adaptable batting technique that would later become his calling card.

Arvind’s professional career is dotted with remarkable achievements. Perhaps most memorable was his starring role in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his match-winning 85 in the final overpowered a seasoned Mumbai line-up. His calm demeanour under pressure earned him accolades and ticket into the national spotlight. Yet, it was his consistent presence in the domestic circuit, often crafting innings that oscillated between patient ball-smacking and patient solidity, which solidified his reputation as a batsman par excellence.

Raju's playing style stands out for its versatility. Whether deftly steering seamers past slips or launching spinners over deep mid-wicket, his bag of tricks seems inexhaustible. Though primarily a batsman, his foray into bowling intrigued many; with occasional off-breaks that have baffled well-set batsmen and garnered key wickets, proving the cliched 'part-timer' moniker obsolete.

His brass-knuckle battles with arch-rival Pratik Sharma—each encounter a clash of titans—are ensconced in domestic cricket lore, particularly the gripping duel in the Ranji semi-final, where Raju’s unbeaten stand dismantled Pratik's bowling spree, settling a score both personal and professional.

Defining moments of Arvind’s career are steeped not merely in records and scores, but in his profound impact—the innings when matches seemed lost, moments when young cricketers across India dared to dream, inspired by his fearless yet thoughtful cricket. Arvind Raju, with his grounded grit and elegance, leaves no doubt in the cricketing cosmos of his indelible mark.

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Bowling Stats