Ritesh Priyaranjan

Ritesh Priyaranjan was born on the first day of the new millennium, 1st January 2000, in the bustling city of Pune, India. Right from his childhood, it was evident that Ritesh had an innate passion for cricket, often seen emulating his heroes from the Indian cricket team on dusty playgrounds. His prodigious talent became clear when he was just eleven, showcasing a natural flair for fast bowling, which led to his selection for the Maharashtra state under-13 team. As he honed his skills through the ranks of junior cricket, his journey to professional cricket was as expected as it was formidable.

Ritesh made his professional debut in the Ranji Trophy at the tender age of 17, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His adaptability and versatility on the field were soon recognised, as he skilfully combined his medium-fast bowling with a keen cricketing intellect. What set Ritesh apart was his ability to adapt his batting style to the needs of the team, providing crucial lower-order runs when needed.

Among his notable achievements, capturing a ten-wicket haul in a single Ranji Trophy match placed Ritesh on the radar of national selectors. He made significant contributions to Maharashtra’s campaigns, becoming a pivotal figure in their bowling line-up during the 2022-23 season. A career-defining moment came when he took part in a thrilling encounter against Karnataka, where his five-for in the second innings helped his team clinch a dramatic two-wicket victory. This match not only underscored his growing reputation as a match-winner but also propelled him into the limelight.

Ritesh's rivalry with Aakash Verma, a flamboyant batsman from Karnataka, became somewhat legendary. The battles between Ritesh’s precise deliveries and Aakash’s attacking flair were eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, as each player pushed the other to new heights.

Throughout his career, Ritesh has been celebrated for his ability to adjust his bowling plans strategically, whether it be swinging the new ball effectively or persistently exploiting cracks in the pitch with the older ball. His innate sense of the game made him a cricketer not just to watch, but to admire for his meticulous preparation and indomitable spirit. Ritesh Priyaranjan remains a beacon of inspiration for young cricketers, embodying the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unpredictability that makes cricket such a captivating sport.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats