Rakesh Kumar

Rakesh Kumar was born on 1st January 2002 in the bustling neighbourhoods of Mumbai, a city that breathes cricket at every corner. From a young age, Rakesh would be found with a makeshift bat, hitting tennis balls bowled by his older brother on their building terrace. It was here, amidst crowded spaces and noise, that Rakesh’s love for cricket blossomed. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and by the age of 10, he was playing in local club matches, honing his skills and fast developing a reputation as a promising bowler.

Rakesh's cricketing journey took a significant step forward when he secured a spot in Mumbai's Under-16 team, a stepping stone for many Indian cricket legends. Guided by seasoned coaches, he polished his bowling, mastering both seam and swing, and developed an adaptable batting approach that often surprised opponents during critical lower-order stands. His breakthrough came in the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy where he was the highest wicket-taker, a feat that eventually led to his selection for India’s Under-19 squad.

Professional debut followed swiftly. At the tender age of 18, Rakesh made his appearance in the Ranji Trophy, representing Mumbai. His impressive debut season saw him bagging a hat-trick against a seasoned Karnataka side, an achievement that put him in the spotlight. Over the next couple of years, Rakesh’s career was punctuated by memorable performances. His fiercest rivalry developed against Delhi, where his tactical battle against their top batsman became a highlight for fans.

Rakesh's bowling has always been his forte—versatile, dynamic, and surprisingly deceptive. His ability to adapt, switching seam angles and pace with finesse, gives him an edge over most batsmen. But he wasn’t just about the wickets; Rakesh’s resilient lower-order batting helped Mumbai clinch the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2021. Contributing crucial runs in a nail-biting final, he proved his mettle under pressure.

Perhaps the most significant moment of his burgeoning career arrived during the 2023 IPL season. A last-over thriller against Chennai Super Kings saw Rakesh defend six runs with his impeccable yorkers, a testament to his nerve. It’s moments like these that underline not just a player's skill, but their potential to impact the game profoundly. Rakesh Kumar, with his messy mix of raw talent and grit, continues to be an inspiration for young cricketers aspiring to make their mark on the world stage.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats