The debut season of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) has been nothing short of a monumental success, capturing the imagination of cricket enthusiasts across India. The electrifying atmosphere at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is largely credited to the exceptional performances of various players, with Anuj Rawat, the East Delhi Riders’ opening batsman, emerging as a standout star.
Rawat’s commanding presence at the crease has been pivotal for the East Delhi Riders, guiding them into the semi-finals with a series of power-packed performances. A regular face for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Anuj believes that the DPL, an initiative of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), serves as an excellent platform for local talents to gain visibility.
“First of all, I want to thank Mr. Rohan Jaitley and all the other DDCA members for organizing such a magnificent T20 tournament,” Anuj expressed in an exclusive interview with India TV. “The Delhi Premier League is an extraordinary initiative. Many cricketers are restricted to local leagues if they don’t get further opportunities. The DPL allows them to showcase their skills on a larger stage.”
The significance of the DPL as a launchpad cannot be understated. “Players who have excelled in local DDCA leagues get shortlisted for the DPL, and with the games being telecast live, it’s a great opportunity for them,” Anuj added.
Among his many stellar performances in the inaugural season, one particular inning stands out for the crowd and critics alike. During the 20th match against Purani Delhi, Rawat delivered a spellbinding performance that left an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.
Batting first, East Delhi Riders set an imposing total of 241 runs, thanks mainly to Rawat’s explosive batting. The left-handed batsman scored a phenomenal 121 runs off just 66 balls, including six fours and 11 towering sixes, boasting an awe-inspiring strike rate of 183.33. Alongside Sujal Singh, who remained unbeaten on 108 runs off 57 balls, Rawat forged an unbroken 241-run opening partnership, paving the way for a comfortable 26-run victory for his team.
Reflecting on his spectacular century, Anuj said, “I knew that once I had a good start, it would be incredibly difficult for the opposition to contain me.
. I trusted my abilities and maximized the opportunity.”
Despite his current fame in the DPL, Anuj’s journey to prominence began with his participation in the IPL. At just 24 years old, he has already played for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021 and has been with RCB for the past three seasons. While he acknowledges he has yet to have a breakout year in the IPL, Anuj is committed to excelling at RCB and speaks highly of the team’s culture.
“I don’t want to leave RCB. The dressing room environment at RCB is fantastic. I share a wonderful bond with everyone. Being around several great players motivates you to give your best,” Anuj shared.
Anuj also provided insight into his cricketing inspirations. Unlike many players who idolize a specific cricketer growing up, Anuj developed his passion for the sport independently. “I didn’t take up cricket by watching someone. My love for the sport drove me to pursue it professionally. However, over time, I started following MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli as role models,” he revealed.
At an age when many young athletes focus on building impressive physiques, Anuj believes in the importance of stamina and endurance, emphasizing the value of running. “Fitness is crucial in avoiding injuries. I think running extra miles on the ground is more essential than just working out in the gym,” he concluded.
With his exceptional performances in the DPL and a promising career ahead with RCB, Anuj Rawat’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of platforms like the Delhi Premier League in discovering and nurturing cricketing talent.
