RANJI TROPHY | Rishav chuffed at his starring role in Jharkhand’s win

Off-spinner Rishav Raj, who starred with four for 49 in the second innings in Jharkhand’s innings win over Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy here on Saturday, said it felt “superb and amazing” to have contributed to his team’s victory on his First Class debut. ​

“I wasn’t thinking that my debut would be this good! It’s like unreal for me! It’s going to be very memorable for me!” he gushed after the match.

Saying that the wicket “wasn’t that helpful,” he added that he stuck to the plan suggested by his coach Sunny Gupta, a former Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu off-spinner.

“All the credit goes to my coach. He’s helped me a lot with my bowling. He’s been with me season after season. It’s been an amazing journey,” he said.

Jharkhand spinner Rishav Raj, who took four wickets against Tamil Nadu, on the fourth day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-A match in Coimbatore on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
M. PERIASAMY

The 24-year-old mentioned that he “picked up cricket” because of his father, who’s very interested in the sport and used to share stories about legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.

“He always seemed very happy, sharing those stories and talking cricket with me in general. So, I always feel that I want to give him the same happiness (by playing well). That’s my main purpose. I hope my parents are proud of me,” he said.

Rishav expressed his desire to continue performing well in the ongoing season and build on the success of his debut match.