Tarun Rajput spins six scalps, keeps performing despite being ignored

Left-arm spinner Tarun Rajput has been waiting in the wings for his first opportunity in the Delhi set-up after he played for the under-16s many years ago.

The 22-year-old, who began playing at the RP Cricket Academy but later shifted to Sehwag Cricket Academy after 'not getting enough opportunities', has been included in the Delhi camp for years now. But he has never been drafted into the final squad in any of the age-group teams post the under-16 stage.

Last year, he made it to the 30-member probables list and was registered for the Col CK Nayudu Trophy but couldn't break into the final squad.

But he is chugging along at the league level without losing hope.

On Wednesday (June 18), the spinner picked six wickets for 13 runs in six overs as he and Aryaveer Sehwag, who made 71 off 54 balls, took Hind Club to a nine-wicket win over Paragon Cricket Club in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Hot Weather League.

Rajput came in during the powerplay stage of the match that was reduced to 32-overs-a-side.

He bowled three overs in the seven powerplay overs and picked five wickets and then returned later to pick another wicket.

"Since the wicket was soft, I tried bowling as fast as I could. Usually I try to give the ball a bit of flight," said Rajput.

He bowled two left-handed batsmen, had two caught at short cover and one at point.

"I have been playing cricket for 15 years now. I started when I was seven. Last to last year, I took seven wickets in two matches. This season too, I picked seven wickets in a match. But they said I am not a multi-day format bowler. But then I took eight wickets in trials for one-day team. But they again did not select me. This year, I am going to be 23-plus so won't be eligible for Col CK Nayudu Trophy and under-23 limited overs cricket," added Rajput.

The Hot Weather has gone well for him so far. The Hind skipper has 10 wickets in three matches. He also scored 70 off 46 in the first match, against United India.

Brief scores: Paragon Cricket Club 135 all out in 30.3 overs (Tarun Rajput 6/13) lost to Hindi Club 138/1 in 15.1 overs (Aaryavir Sehwag 71 off 54 balls; 7x4s, 4x6s)

In another match on Wednesday, Kashmere Gate Colts beat Essex Farms by five wickets. Gagan Vats hammered 165 off 79 balls for KG Colts. His knock included seven fours and as many as 16 sixes. Essex Farms had made 268/5 in 30 overs with Krish Yadav scoring 127 off 76 balls (14x4s, 6x6s) and Rounak Waghela making 65 not out off 29 balls (6x4s, 4x6s).

Also winning were Kishan Ganj Gymkhana, who beat PMG by 11 runs and Anand Sports, who beat Maulana Azad Club by 108 runs.

Rajinder Nagar Colts and Ravi Brothers were both dismissed for 98 before Ravi Brothers won in the Super Over.

The match between Pioneer Cricket Club and Ajmal Khan Cricket Club was abandoned with Pioneer winning on the toss of coin.

Tags : Tarun Rajput, Delhi Cricket, DDCA, Hot Weather, Aaryavir Sehwag