Nepali U-16 cricket team’s batter, Raunak Srivastav, was announced the Player of the Tournament and Best Batter in the recently concluded ACC U-16 East Zone Cup.
The Nepali team, which won the tournament, had a dominant performance in all matches except the final. During the tournament, the Nepali players performed outstandingly. Raunak Srivastav was one among them. He scored 296 runs in 5 matches, the highest in the tournament. Although he couldn’t contribute much in the final, he had already proven himself in the earlier matches.
He scored 88 runs against Indonesia and then scored a record-breaking 168 runs against Bhutan, including a century. Srivastav’s 168 runs is the highest individual score by a Nepali player in a 50-over match, a record that will likely remain unbroken for a long time.
“Playing in Nepal’s jersey was a dream come true. It was the best feeling in the world,” he says to Onlinekhabar. “And winning the tournament with the team made it even more special.”
The double century before the tournament
Srivastav rose to prominence just before the East Zone Cup during the U-16 national cricket competition held in Nepal. Representing Lumbini Province, his performance in that tournament earned him a place in the national U-16 team.
Even though Lumbini didn’t perform well overall, Raunak was the highest run-scorer. His batting style stood out from others. Most notably, he scored 217 runs against Gandaki Province, helping his team secure a total of 403 runs.
Raunak’s double century in a youth-level Nepali tournament is a record-breaking performance rarely seen in domestic cricket. This achievement played a key role in his national team selection.
“Back then, I was just focused on playing according to the ball. I didn’t fear losing wickets and played confidently on loose balls,” he says, recalling his double century.
Taking family’s responsibility
Born and raised in a humble family in Krishnanagar, Kapilvastu, Srivastav dreamed of building a future in cricket. At age 11, in 2020, he began training in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Initially, he used to watch others play. Gradually, he started practicing himself and participated in local matches. His family never discouraged him from pursuing his passion.
At age 13 (in 2022), he played in Rupandehi Super League, a local tournament where young national players like Dev Khanal and Basir Ahmad also participated.
Ahmad got to witness Srivastav’s performance and greatly supported him.
“Basir dai helped me a lot. He encouraged me to keep playing and motivated me to join Lumbini Province’s youth camp. Both Basir dai and our captain Bipin have supported me a lot in this journey,” Srivastav says, adding, “Also, my coach and mentor, Vivek Mani Tripathi, has been a great motivator.”
From the district level to the provincial team, Raunak Srivastav’s consistent performances for Lumbini Province eventually led him to the national U-16 team.
Now, he is determined to take responsibility for his family. “My parents never demanded anything. Now, the responsibility is on me. I have to do something. I will work even harder,” he says.
From NPL to IPL: The Dream Ahead
After an impressive performance for the U-16 national team, Srivastav now aspires to join Nepal’s U-19 team and eventually the senior national team.
“I want to play for the U-19 team next. For that, I’ll have to work even harder and maintain consistency ,” he says. “Playing for the senior team is every player’s dream, and I still have time. That’s my goal.”
He also plans to register for the upcoming season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
He says, “I want to play in the NPL. If I get selected, that’s great. If not, I’ll work harder and try again next year.”
Given his aggressive style even in 50-over matches, NPL teams are likely already eyeing him. Thus, he stands a good chance of playing in the NPL.
He also revealed his ultimate dream to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Playing for the national team is a dream come true, but beyond that, I’ve set my sights on the IPL,” he says.
