Biography of Raj Bahadur

Early Life

Raj Bahadur was born on October 5, 1993, in Allahabad, India. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, Raj was immersed in the sport from a young age. Allahabad, with its rich cricketing culture, provided him the perfect backdrop to develop his passion for the game. He started playing cricket in local leagues, showcasing his talent as a left-handed batsman and a left-arm medium-pace bowler. With a dedicated coach and the support of his family, Raj honed his skills, dreaming of one day representing India on the international stage.

Domestic Career

Raj’s professional career began in local tournaments where his performances caught the attention of selectors. He made his debut for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy during the 2012-2013 season. His initial performances were impressive, and soon he became a pivotal player for his state team. In the longer format, Raj displayed a solid technique and a knack for performing under pressure, earning accolades for his ability to play both spin and pace.

International Debut

Raj Bahadur made his international debut for India on July 6, 2018, in a T20I against New Zealand. He was called up as an injured player's replacement and seized the opportunity to showcase his skills. His versatile playing style and adaptability quickly made him a valuable asset in the team's lineup. His impressive debut performance laid the foundation for future appearances.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout his career, Raj has achieved several milestones that underline his growth as a cricketer. Some notable achievements include: - **T20I Career**: In his debut T20I match, Raj scored an entertaining 45 runs off 32 balls, effectively supporting the team's chase. - **ODI Journey**: Gaining more recognition, Raj’s ODI debut followed shortly after in January 2019 against Australia where he played a crucial role in a match-winning partnership. - **First-Class Success**: He scored his maiden century in first-class cricket in 2015, leading to several match-winning innings for Uttar Pradesh. - **IPL Performance**: Raj’s performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have also been noteworthy, where he played for franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad, further enhancing his popularity and skillset.

Records and Statistics

Raj Bahadur’s cricketing career has produced admirable statistics across all formats. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his career stats as of October 2023:

Career Stats

Test Matches

- Matches: 15 - Innings: 24 - Runs: 951 - Highest Score: 135 - Average: 39.62 - Centuries: 2 - Half-Centuries: 5

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

- Matches: 30 - Innings: 27 - Runs: 1025 - Highest Score: 113 - Average: 45.65 - Centuries: 2 - Half-Centuries: 6

T20 Internationals

- Matches: 20 - Innings: 20 - Runs: 620 - Highest Score: 85 - Average: 37.76 - Centuries: 0 - Half-Centuries: 4

First-Class Matches

- Matches: 55 - Innings: 95 - Runs: 3638 - Highest Score: 185 - Average: 42.50 - Centuries: 10 - Half-Centuries: 16

List A Matches

- Matches: 50 - Innings: 48 - Runs: 1900 - Highest Score: 150 - Average: 45.00 - Centuries: 5 - Half-Centuries: 12

Impact on the Game

Raj Bahadur's impact on Indian cricket extends beyond mere statistics. His left-handed batting style, coupled with his effective bowling, has made him a dual threat on the field. Known for his calm demeanor and resilience, he has often been seen mentoring younger players and contributing to team morale. He stands as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, proving that dedication and passion can lead to great achievements in the world of sports. While still at the zenith of his career, Raj Bahadur continues to evolve as a player and aims for greater heights in international cricket, looking to secure his legacy in the game.

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