Rahul Tripathi’s journey has been a roller coaster. The swashbuckling batsman struggled with his form early in his IPL career, when he was playing for the Rajasthan Royals, and his confidence was so low that he began to doubt his ability. When he was first recruited by Rising Pune Supergiant, he used to begin the innings, thus adjusting to a place in the middle order for the organisation was difficult.
However, the 30-year-old, who has been a steady run-maker in the Indian Premier League, had a profitable weekend last weekend. Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Rs 8.50 crore for Tripathi, who had a base price of Rs 40 lakh going into last weekend’s blockbuster auction.
“For the first year, I worked with Pune and did well. Then I moved on to the Rajasthan Royals, where I was given a new role as a middle-order batsman. It was unfamiliar territory for me, but the first year went well.But it was in the second year that I was unable to carry out my plans,” he says. It would take time for him to adjust to a middle-order role for the team, as he used to open the innings when he was first selected by Rising Pune Supergiant.
Tripathi’s fortunes began to improve when he was selected by Kolkata Knight Riders, the team he had always aspired to play for. Abhishek Nayar, a career reviver, gave him the opportunity to work with him. Many cricketers, including Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik, have benefited from the former Mumbai player’s assistance. Nayar was instrumental in Tripathi regaining his confidence.
“I felt great when I got to Kolkata Knight Riders and put in a lot of practise time.” I had a strong desire to succeed. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Abhishek Nayar and later Brendon McCullum. Nayar assisted me in comprehending my game. “The two years I spent with KKR were quite memorable,” Tripathi adds.
He is now prepared for a new adventure. Kane Williamson is the Sunrisers’ captain, and Tripathi praises him greatly. “Playing in the IPL allows you to share the changing room with some of the best players in the world.” I’m excited to collaborate with Kane.
He is a player that excels not only in T20 but in all formats. He is a very humble person, and the way he handles himself is fantastic.”
The Sunrisers have struggled with middle-order issues in the past and are seeking for a dynamic batter. Tripathi has played in practically every batting position throughout the years, including opener, middle order, and finisher.
“I have this one-of-a-kind characteristic in that I am fine if management wants me to bat up the order. And if they want me to bat in the middle, I’m fine with that. Because I now have the knowledge. I batted in both spots for KKR, so I’m used to it. At both positions, I now know how to carry out my plans.”
READ |Kolkata Knight Riders complete player list and team for IPL Mega Auction 2022
“It’s all about the mindset.” There is a unique problem while opening the batting order. In the Powerplay, it’s all about scoring runs quickly. The middle order is a little more complicated. The starters have put you up to keep the momentum going and finish the innings.”
Cricketing adventure:
“In Lucknow, I began playing cricket at an early age. My father served in the military. He was sent to Srinagar while I was little, thus I spent about 2-3 years there. After that, I began playing cricket at Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana Cricket Academy. That’s where I began my professional career as a musician. I began representing Maharashtra at various age levels gradually and steadily. Then came the Ranji Trophy and the IPL,” Tripathi continues.
“I participated in the Pune franchise trials. Although I was not initially selected, I spoke with (head coach) Stephen Fleming sir. He informed me what they were looking for and where I could improve. I tried to incorporate them into my game and continued to work on them.
I was chosen at the auction the next year after the tryouts at the DY Patil Stadium (in Navi Mumbai).”