Rakesh Bhatia

Born on the first of January, 2001, in the bustling city of Pune, Rakesh Bhatia emerged from the local cricket grounds with a promise that soon electrified the national scene. Cricket was not merely a pastime in Rakesh's household; it was a passion passed down through generations. His early encounters with cricket were more familial than formal, often playing in the humid afternoons of Maharashtra with his cousins and neighbours.

Rakesh’s all-round capabilities soon caught the eye of his local coaches, who were quick to nurture his raw talent. By the age of 15, he was already turning heads with his adaptable batting approach, capable of orchestrating the innings with finesse or aggression as the situation demanded. His bowling was marked by its versatility — a canny knack for switching seamlessly between spin and seam, making him a constant thorn in the opposition’s side.

Making his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy at just 18, Rakesh left an indelible mark with a gritty half-century and a five-wicket haul that steered his team to a remarkable victory. It wasn’t long before he was thrust into the spotlight of the IPL, where his rookie season saw him navigate intense contests with seasoned internationals, notably a thrilling face-off against Kolkata Knight Riders, where his all-round performance won him the Man of the Match accolade.

Among his growing list of achievements, his pivotal role in the Under-19 World Cup ensured a memorable triumph for India, with Rakesh delivering clutch performances in both semi-final and final, underscoring his potential as a future stalwart of Indian cricket. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the national team within a couple of years.

On the field, Rakesh's style is a testament to the evolution of modern cricket. His adaptability at the crease has seen him play varying roles — from an anchor to an aggressive stroke-maker, reflecting a maturity beyond his years. As a bowler, Rakesh has demonstrated an uncanny ability to exploit conditions with both pace and turn. His analytical mind, coupled with an acute sense of tactical awareness, has frequently proven decisive in close encounters.

Rakesh Bhatia is not just an allrounder in the technical sense; his spirit embodies the heart of a team, adapting and rising to the occasion, continually impacting the game in quietly brilliant ways. Each match he plays underscores a career still burgeoning with promise, a journey very much in its prime narrative.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats