From Youth Sensation to Prodigy: Raj Limbani’s Rise in Elite Cricket

Raj Limbani has been in outstanding form in this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Baroda pacer has taken 14 wickets in just four matches, with an average of 21.50, including a five-wicket haul against Bengal.

What the statistics don’t fully reveal is how adeptly he has adapted to the placid pitches in Rajkot. In his first three games, where his team bowled first, he exploited the initial bounce caused by early moisture, effectively using short deliveries.

However, his skills were truly tested in the match against Hyderabad. Faced with defending a target on a flat track while the opposition pursued 417, Limbani’s bouncers were countered by Pragnay Reddy’s assertive pulls. By the end of his initial spell, he had given away over 11 runs per over.

The 20-year-old showed resilience by executing well-crafted slower balls during the death overs, turning the tide against Hyderabad. With Hyderabad needing 78 from little more than six overs, Limbani dismissed centurion Pragnay, who was on 113.

“In the previous matches, we bowled first and stuck to the bouncer plan. Against Hyderabad, when the runs started flowing, we switched strategies,” Limbani told Sportstar. “They intended to utilize our pace, which we realized late. We incorporated cutters during death overs. Had we realized earlier, we might have sealed the match sooner,” he added.

Limbani’s impressive performance has drawn praise from Baroda’s bowling coach, Sreenath Aravind.

“Raj [Limbani] has been in remarkable form this season, displaying great accuracy,” noted the former India international.

Limbani was introduced into the attack after the first PowerPlay against Hyderabad, a decision aimed at helping him gain match awareness.

“The focus is on acquiring experience through each game. He’s improving his understanding of variations, strike zones, and match situations. A fast bowler is inclined to bowl fast, and matches like these teach them about conditions,” Aravind explained.

An Experience of the Highest Level

Originally from Dayapar, a village near the Pakistan border in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch, Limbani moved over 550 kilometers to Baroda at age 12 to pursue his cricketing dream, living with his uncle while his father farmed.

His rapid ascent through Baroda’s age groups earned him a spot in India’s Under-19 World Cup squad for the 2024 tournament in South Africa. Known for his potent inswingers, he claimed 11 wickets during the competition, including three in the final, although India finished runner-up to Australia.

“The experience was incredible. Understanding the level needed to represent your country and hearing the national anthem during the first game was especially moving,” the bowler shared.

Limbani smoothly transitioned into domestic cricket after his age-group and U-19 World Cup feats. He credits seniors like Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, and Atit Sheth for aiding his adjustment.

“In age-group cricket, you compete with peers, but in senior cricket, you face players with extensive experience. Quick adaptation is crucial,” Limbani explained. “The senior team members are very open. They answer our questions without any airs. They’re very approachable,” he added.

Despite undergoing trials with IPL teams Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, and a stint with Gujarat Titans as a net bowler, Limbani didn’t find a place in the recent IPL 2026 mini-auction.

“I am obviously disappointed [about the auction]. However, it’s beyond my control, so I focus on my hard work,” Limbani stated.

Given his impressive bouncers and slower deliveries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Limbani may be on teams’ radar for potential injury replacements in the upcoming IPL season. Until then, he’s focused on taking more wickets.

Published on Jan 01, 2026.