Raj Angad Bawa, born on November 12, 2002, in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, is an emerging all-rounder in Indian cricket. Known for his left-handed batting and right-arm medium-fast bowling, Bawa has made significant strides in both domestic and international arenas. His journey from a cricket-enthusiastic youngster to a professional cricketer is marked by dedication, exceptional performances, and a rich sporting lineage.
Early Life and Family Background
Raj Bawa grew up in Chandigarh surrounded by a sports-oriented culture. His grandfather, Tarlochan Singh Bawa, was part of India’s gold medal-winning field hockey squad during the 1948 London Olympics, leaving a legacy of sports brilliance in the family. Influenced by this background, Raj took to cricket at an early age, devoting himself to learning both batting and bowling techniques.
Domestic Cricket Career
Raj Bawa’s career at home started with playing for Chandigarh in different age groups. His regular performances demonstrated his ability to be a reliable all-rounder. He debuted for Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy for the first-class games in February 2022, making an instant impact by getting a wicket for his maiden delivery. The debut highlighted his preparedness to tackle higher tiers of competitive cricket.
International Recognition: U19 World Cup Heroics
Bawa earned his international recognition at the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He was instrumental in India’s winning run, displaying his talent as a true all-rounder. In India’s group stage match against Uganda, Raj played an unbeaten 162 off 108 balls, creating a new record for the most individual score by an Indian player in U19 World Cup history. His final against England was also as good, where he took 5 wickets for 31 runs, becoming the first Indian to take a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. These efforts helped India win the title, and Raj was aptly awarded the Player of the Match in the final.
Switching to the Indian Premier League (IPL)
After his success in U19, Raj Bawa ventured into the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. He was originally bought by the Punjab Kings for the season 2022. Even though his experience with Punjab Kings lasted only a short while, it offered him indispensable exposure in a very competitive setting. After a two-year break from the IPL, Raj was recruited by the Mumbai Indians for the 2025 season, a major milestone in his professional life. The Mumbai Indians saw his potential and invested in his growth, looking to utilize his all-round abilities to make their team stronger.
Playing Style and Strengths
Raj Bawa is renowned for his aggressive left-handed batting, which can stabilize innings and pick up the run rate when required. His right-arm medium-fast bowling gives his game an extra dimension, enabling him to make a huge contribution in both departments. This two-way ability makes him a big asset in different forms of the game. His fielding skills also add to his all-round profile, making him a complete package on the field.
Punjab Kings
Statistical Highlights
First-Class Cricket: In 11 games, Raj has scored 633 runs at a mean of 42.20, with two half-centuries and one century. With the ball, he has picked up 13 wickets, having an economy rate of 3.42.
List A Cricket: In 11 games, he has made 162 runs at a strike rate of 95.86 and has taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 5.32.
T20 Cricket: Raj has played 20 games, scoring 308 runs at a strike rate of 127.27 and also claiming 22 wickets, reflecting his efficiency in the shortest format.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite early success, the journey of Raj Bawa has not been easy, with undulating form and pressure of switching to senior-grade cricket. The release by Punjab Kings and eventual purchase by Mumbai Indians reflect an adaptation and developmental phase. Being with a well-experienced franchise such as Mumbai Indians, Raj has the prospect of honing his skills, receiving regular games, and finding himself as a perennial in both domestic and international cricket.
Conclusion
Raj Bawa’s rise in Indian cricket is a reflection of his talent, dedication, and the strong sporting heritage of his family. His performances in the U19 World Cup have laid a good foundation for a bright career in the future. As he continues to grow and learn to cope with the demands of professional cricket, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly monitoring his progress. Given the right support and opportunities, Raj Bawa can go on to be one of the major players in Indian cricket’s future.
