Hyderabad’s Rahul Reflects on Past Setbacks with Optimism, Emphasizing Hard Work and Process

A gap of 367 days between First-Class centuries can be challenging to comprehend, as Hyderabad’s Rahul Radesh could attest. After an impressive maiden century in the Ranji Trophy against Rajasthan last season, he found solace in scoring another century against the same opponent on Sunday.

“I’ve been starting well, but sometimes it takes facing a particular team to reach that milestone. So now, Rajasthan has to be my favorite opposition,” he shared with Sportstar.

The 22-year-old keeper-batter’s innings displayed two distinct styles: he started slow but later shifted gears to propel Hyderabad to a competitive score.

“I had to bat with the tail, and the team’s directive was for me to take charge by finding boundaries and taking calculated risks,” he explained.

Rahul revealed that Hyderabad’s initial goal was 350 and remained optimistic about breaking through Kunal Singh Rathore and Ajay Kookna’s resistance early on day three.

“We had them at five down for around 120 when a small partnership formed, which is typical. One wicket will lead us to the tail. Once we get the new ball [on Monday], we can attack and secure those vital wickets.”

Rahul’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. One of the toughest moments in his developing career occurred during the 2021-22 Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored only two runs; a setback in a crucial Under-19 World Cup year.

“It deeply affects your mental health at a young age. You generally have one year to make it to the World Cup team, and I was really disappointed that I couldn’t perform well that year,” he reflected.

ALSO READ: Bengal’s Suraj stars with four-for as sun sets on Railways’ top-order

Despite that setback, Rahul views that period positively now.

“Some things are just out of your control. At my current age, I understand that everything happens for a reason. You have to accept it, work hard, and follow your processes. Early struggles make you tougher and help you overcome future challenges,” he said.

“I worked through it with the support of great coaches, a strong family, and mentors. I had no choice but to come back stronger,” he added, thanking individuals like former Ranji player Sumanth Kolla, ex-India fielding coach R. Sridhar, and his childhood coach Aruna Prasadh, among others, for their guidance.

Rahul also aims for a breakthrough in the Indian Premier League this season, having trialed with the Mumbai Indians in 2023.

“The IPL auction follows the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hopefully, I can perform well there and aim for a spot in the IPL.”

Published on November 9, 2025.