Just two months in the past, a trendy left-hander from Tamil Nadu lit up the TNPL, turning into the driving pressure behind IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans’ fairytale title run.
If his explosive 77 off 46 in the ultimate was the icing on the cake of a stellar marketing campaign, then ending because the event’s highest run-scorer with 488 runs — probably the most in TNPL historical past — was the cherry on prime.
Now, with the red-ball format taking centre-stage, Tushar Raheja has made the transition look easy.
Representing TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu Tournament, he has already made a mark — with a composed 137 (216) in opposition to Mumbai, adopted by a gritty 86 (144) in opposition to Haryana.
The 23-year-old spoke about adapting to the longer format and shared his aspirations for the upcoming season in an unique chat with the The Hindu.
“Transitioning from white-ball to red-ball cricket wasn’t too tough for me,” Tushar stated. “It’s more about making small mental adjustments. We didn’t have much time for red-ball practice after the TNPL final, but as professionals, we have to adapt quickly. It’s all about getting into the right mental space”.
He additionally credited key conversations with head coach Tanveer Jabbar and selector Vasudevadas forward of the Mumbai sport for serving to him discover readability.
“They encouraged me to play my natural game”, he stated. “When selectors and coaches back you to play your way — even in red-ball cricket — it really helps”.
Looking forward, Raheja stays grounded and centered, “My immediate goal is to do well in whatever chances I get. I’m taking it one game at a time and focusing on expressing myself every time I step onto the field.
“I’m not overthinking selection or the Ranji Trophy squad.
“If I continue to do the right things, that opportunity will come. Right now, I want to play positively — the way I enjoy — and if that brings results, even better”.
