Q It must be a major culture change to come from India to Northern Ireland. What did you know about the country and cricket in Ireland before you decided to come to Dundrum?
A I have been here before in a touring team playing cricket for 21 days and luckily for Dundrum I hurt my knee as I had signed to come play for Donacloney last year, but it has worked well for everyone.
Q Have you been an overseas professional anywhere else?
A Not overseas.
Q What are your major cricket achievements to date?
A I have played Under-17 India in the Asia Cup, and for all the youth teams for Maharashtra State BCCI tournaments and was captain of three of the teams. I have played Indian Cricket League (ICL) and I hold two records in India. I broke Sachin Tendulkar’s Interschool record of 329 with a score of 339 and I was also involved in a record partnership of 451 with my score 253 not out for the Under-15 Maharashtra State team. I was also captain of the Under-17 West Zone team
Q What are your cricket ambitions?
A I want to play first class IPL in India and hopefully some of the juniors I coach at Dundrum will play go on to play Premiership cricket and maybe even for Ireland. Last, but not least, I plan to get married at some stage!
Q You have exploded onto the local cricket scene with several prodigious performances. Is big hitting your strongest asset?
A Yes I enjoy hitting sixes, but I do try to play the ball on merit and I hope to continue to score lots more runs this season.
Q Over the past 40 years there has been a lot of criticism about clubs recruiting hired guns especially outside the top division where the playing field is a little more level. What are your coaching duties and is coaching a big part of your role?
A When Dundrum signed me their order of priority was to start coaching at six primary schools, coach the three junior teams and thirdly to play in Senior League games.
Q What objectives and targets have you set yourself this season at Dundrum?
A Very simply to coach the young players and to help win more matches for the club.
Q How do you rate the standard of cricket you have seen so far?
A The standard of cricket has been impressive and the conditions generally assist the bowlers.
Q Do local players show as much commitment and enthusiasm as back home?
A in some aspect they do, but there is always a room for improvement.
Q You are playing at one of the most beautiful cricket settings in Ireland. Do you plan to see some of the country over the next few months?
A I have already been to Windsor Park to see Manchester United play and I am going to Stormont to see Ireland against Australia. I also hope to climb Slieve Donard before the season ends!
Thanks Raviraj, that may be another “1st” for a Dundrum cricketer!
Best wishes for the rest of the season and good luck with your coaching.
Clarence Hiles,
Editor
