Raunaq Sharma

Raunaq Sharma's journey from the vibrant cricket fields of India to the international stage is a tale of resilience and raw talent. Born on September 1, 1991, in a small town bustling with cricket fever, Sharma was drawn to the game from an early age. Like so many cricketers from India, Raunaq's initiation into cricket was during spirited street games, where the love for the game was as powerful as the talent on display.

Sharma's formal cricketing journey began at his local cricket academy, where his potential as an all-rounder quickly surfaced. His natural flair with the bat and his knack for adaptable bowling, capable of swinging the ball both ways and delivering deceptive off-cutters, made him a standout junior prospect. The turning point came during an inter-state tournament, where his all-round performance—scoring a century and taking five wickets in a single match—caught the attention of national selectors.

Raunaq made his professional debut for the national team amidst much anticipation. Early in his international career, he played pivotal roles in India’s triumph in multiple ODI and Test series. He particularly shone during the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Australia, where his composed half-century anchored India to a tense victory, marking him as a player for big occasions.

Among his significant achievements, Raunaq was instrumental in India’s memorable series win against England in 2018. His spirited rivalry with England’s ace bowler, James Anderson, became a talking point. Their duels, marked by Raunaq’s fearless approach and Anderson’s cunning seam movement, were thrilling displays of skill and strategy.

Sharma’s batting style combines elegance and aggression, his right-hand strokes often a blend of traditional technique and modern improvisation. As a bowler, he has been lauded for his versatility, able to adjust his attack strategy based on the batsman, conditions, and match situation. His adept mix of seam, swing, and spin bowling makes him a quintessential all-rounder, offering balance to any team.

His career is peppered with moments that underline his impact on the game, none more inspiring than the dramatic final over in the 2021 T20 series decider against South Africa, where his last-ball heroics with both ball and bat secured a thrilling win. Raunaq Sharma embodies the dynamism and spirit of cricket, a player whose journey continues to enthral fans across continents.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats