Why not meet legends like Tendulkar-Dhoni in IPL?

Raj Angad Bawa Exclusive Interview: ‘Yes, met MS Dhoni sir and shook hands in Chennai match, didn’t take photo. Why not meet legends like Tendulkar-Dhoni in IPL? Saw Sachin Tendulkar sir from a distance. He was surrounded by people. He did not dare to go near her. I want to make my name such that when I go in front of these giants, they know me. I didn’t have to tell him anything about myself or give an introduction. Then the fun of meeting these people will be different.

This is to say of India’s rising all-rounder Raj Angad Bawa, who made his mark as a fast bowler all-rounder in the Under-19 World Cup and is now working hard to shine in international cricket. Born on 12 November 2002 in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, Raj represents Punjab in domestic cricket. The 19-year-old all-rounder has done wonders with both the ball and the bat in the Under-19 World Cup and has given the nation hope that he will soon be seen having a blast in international cricket.

Funny anecdote with rohit sharma

In an exclusive interview to Times Now Navbharat, Raj made many revelations related to his cricketing career. He shared many anecdotes of his journey from the beginning of his cricket to the IPL. Raj told an interesting anecdote of IPL 2022 that he was standing outside the Punjab Kings bus, then Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, looking for his bus, reached him and was standing right in front of him.

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Raj said, ‘I was standing outside the bus. Rohit sir felt that the bus of Mumbai is standing near us, so he came and stood in front of me while searching. I was confused what to talk to him. It didn’t feel right to give my intro. But it was the generosity of Rohit Sharma that he himself came to me and talked to me in his Mumbai style. He recognized me, took my name and said that he played well in the Under-19 World Cup.

The Punjab all-rounder said, ‘Rohit Sharma told me to try to give my best whenever he gets a chance. He said that he has seen me playing, took care of my family members. It impressed me a lot that now he is the captain of India and asked such things to increase my confidence. I didn’t do well in IPL, but Rohit sir’s words impressed me a lot.

Life’s Gurumantra from Shikhar Dhawan

Raj Angad Bawa told that when I got selected in IPL, I was very happy. It is to be known that Raj was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 2 crore, while his base price was Rs 20 lakh. Raj Angad Bawa became the player of the match in the final of the Under-19 World Cup, from where he got worldwide recognition.

Talked a lot with Shikhar Dhawan during IPL

Punjab Kings had many veteran players like Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow and Kagiso Rabada. The young all-rounder said, ‘I talked a lot with Shikhar Dhawan during the IPL. Dhawan paaji told me many good things, which I think will come in handy for a lifetime. Dhawan paaji said that be grateful for your life. Not everyone got what you got.

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Raj continues his point and says, ‘Dhawan paaji told the way of living that one should never lose his faith. Even if there are few opportunities or even not. Just don’t doubt your ability. Dhawan paaji also told that go ahead step by step. Don’t make your goals fixed because you don’t know if life has planned something great for you. So believe in yourself and never get upset. I am too young to understand these things, but I really liked what he told me.

Deep connection with yuvraj singh

Raj Angad Bawa told that his ideal player is former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh of the Indian team. Seeing Yuvraj, Raj started batting with his left hand. Raj’s father himself is also a coach and he tried to get the son to bat with the right hand in the beginning. But Yuvraj Singh’s obsession used to go up to Raj’s head that he used to start batting with the left hand every time and then the father also stopped interrupting him. In this way the young cricketer bowls with the right hand and does all the work, but does the batting with the left hand. Raj Angad Bawa’s style of playing flicks from backlift also matches that of Yuvraj Singh.

Talking about his idol, Raj Angad Bawa said, ‘Yuvraj Singh is very much liked since childhood. Seeing him, he started batting with his left hand. Before IPL, Yuvraj Singh was talked to on the phone, then he gave important tips. Yuvi said to wait for your chance and have full faith in yourself. He also tweeted for me, which was very happy to see. Yuvraj Singh has also talked about me through Papa. I have always liked him.

Raj further said, ‘I met Yuvraj Singh during a Ranji Trophy match before his retirement. Then I took his autograph. My happiness knew no bounds. I haven’t met him since the Under-19 World Cup, but whenever I do, I know that I will learn something good.

Raj’s family has a deep connection with the game

Raj Angad Bawa’s family background has been of sports. The young all-rounder’s grandfather Tralochan Singh Bawa was a member of the hockey team that won gold in the 1948 Olympics. Raj’s father Sukhwinder himself played cricket.