The first ever Delhi Premier League (DPL) has turned out to be a massive hit, drawing big crowds and generating significant buzz across the nation. A key player who has contributed to this excitement is Anuj Rawat, the opening batsman for East Delhi Riders.
Rawat, who has made a mark in the tournament, played a crucial role in leading his team to the semi-finals with some stellar performances. As a player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, Anuj feels the DPL is a great initiative by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to showcase local talent.
Grateful to DDCA
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Rohan Jaitley and the entire DDCA team for organizing such a wonderful T20 tournament,” shared Anuj in an exclusive interview with India Press Live. “The Delhi Premier League (DPL) is an incredible effort because it gives opportunities to cricketers who are otherwise confined to local leagues.”
“The players who have excelled in DDCA’s local leagues have been chosen to play in the DPL, and the matches being shown live is a fantastic opportunity for us,” he added.
Memorable Performance Against Purani Delhi
Anuj has played many remarkable innings in the tournament, but his standout performance came against Purani Delhi in the 20th match of the DPL. Batting first, East Delhi Riders put up a massive score of 241, largely due to Rawat’s incredible hitting.
The left-handed batsman smashed 121 runs off just 66 balls, hitting six fours and eleven sixes, achieving a jaw-dropping strike rate of 183.33. He had a fantastic unbeaten partnership of 241 runs with Sujal Singh, who also scored a stellar 108* runs off 57 balls. This performance helped their team clinch a 26-run victory.
“I knew that if I got off to a strong start, it would be challenging for the opponent to stop me. I trusted my skills and capitalized on the good start,” Anuj said, reflecting on his extraordinary century.
Anuj’s Journey Through IPL
Anuj’s growing popularity in the DPL is greatly due to his IPL association. The 24-year-old initially played for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021 and has spent the last three seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Though Anuj is still waiting for his breakthrough year in the IPL, he is committed to thriving at RCB and appreciates the positive atmosphere in their dressing room.
“I don’t want to leave RCB. The RCB dressing room is always a fun place to be. I have a great bond with all my teammates at RCB. Being around so many top players motivates me to perform at my best,” Anuj mentioned.
Finding Inspiration in Dhoni and Kohli
Anuj revealed that he didn’t have a cricketing idol growing up but started to admire MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli after he got into professional cricket.
I didn’t choose cricket by watching someone play. It was my passion that drove me to pursue it as a career. After I became a wicketkeeper-batter, I began to look up to MS Dhoni. Over time, I also started to follow Virat Kohli,” he shared.
Focus on Fitness
In today’s era when many young cricketers aim for bulging muscles, Anuj emphasizes the importance of running and building endurance.
“Fitness is crucial in preventing injuries. I believe running extra miles is more essential than just working out in the gym,” he concluded.
With his performances and positive outlook, Anuj Rawat is fast becoming a prominent name in Indian cricket. The Delhi Premier League has not only provided a platform for players like him but also energized cricket fans across the country.
As we look forward to more thrilling matches in the DPL, Anuj’s journey is certainly one to keep an eye on.
