Tripathi gets maiden call up; ‘Selection a reward for hard work’

MUMBAI: His voice beaming with happiness, talented Maharashtra batter Rahul Tripathi termed his maiden India call-up, a result of his enormous hard work put in over the years.

The 31-year-old right-hand batter Tripathi has been one of the most consistent uncapped IPL players over six seasons with 2022 edition being his best as he totalled 413 runs at a strike-rate of 158.24 for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Tripathi, a son of an Army man, has been consistently performing in the IPL and also for his domestic side Maharashtra. “It is a very big opportunity, a dream come true (moment) and (I) appreciate (it),” Tripathi said.

“I am very happy that the selectors and everybody believed in me and whatever hard work I have put in, I have got the rewards. And hopefully, if I get an opportunity to play, I will try and give my best,” added Tripathi, who has the distinction of twice hitting six sixes in an over in local tournaments.

Tripathi, who has played for the prestigious Deccan Gymkhana club, one of the oldest in Pune, has 2,540 first class runs from 47 matches. He has also captained Maharashtra in domestic cricket.