Prominent TNPL Player Rocket Raheja Prepares for Takeoff
In the world of cricket, Tushar Raheja, known as 'Rocket Raheja', has been making waves. Despite missing out on an IPL contract this year, the Tamil Nadu cricketer remains focused on his dreams of excelling in the red-ball format and breaking into the Ranji Trophy side.
Raheja has been training with TV Ramkumar for three years, a partnership that he credits for his improved bat swing and length reading against spin. His dedication to his craft is evident, as he has attended multiple trials for the 18th IPL season but was not selected, despite topping the TNPL run-scoring charts with an impressive 488 runs at an average of 61 and a strike rate of 185.55 [1].
The trials, however, have been learning experiences for Raheja. Observing and comparing himself to players who made it has helped him improve his game [1]. Currently, his focus is on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he builds momentum towards the IPL 2026 auction.
Raheja's aspirations for the Ranji Trophy squad are clear, reflected in his strong performances in domestic tournaments like TNPL and the Buchi Babu Tournament, where he also scored a brilliant century. Although there is no explicit statement from Raheja about his Ranji Trophy ambitions in the available search results, his continual development and readiness for higher-level domestic cricket such as Ranji Trophy matches are evident [5].
Confidence in his abilities comes from exposure to experienced cricketers like Rahul Dravid, which likely fuels his aspirations to cement a place in Tamil Nadu’s Ranji team and perform at that level effectively [1]. Raheja's aggressive intent as an opener has been appreciated by coach RX Murali, who has worked with top Indian cricketers.
Raheja worked closely with personal coach TV Ramkumar to improve his ability to hit straight and over covers. Initially a middle-order batter in the TNPL, he was moved to the top order by coach RX Murali, a decision that seems to have paid off, given his recent success.
Raheja's cricket career was inspired by MS Dhoni, particularly after watching him lift the 2007 T20 World Cup. He also admires Matthew Hayden's batting style, which he watched during CSK matches at Chepauk.
Raheja's mental game has also seen significant improvement, thanks to mental conditioning coach Raymun Roy, who has also worked with Washington Sundar and B Sai Sudharsan. Quantum breathing exercises help Raheja control his thoughts during games, a skill that has served him well in high-pressure situations.
Despite falling short of an IPL contract, Raheja remains motivated. His upcoming participation in the Buchi Babu tournament offers him a chance to represent TNCA XI and showcase his red-ball skills. Raheja's long-term goal is to avoid being branded as a white-ball only player and establish himself in the red-ball format.
Raheja played a crucial role in Tiruppur Tamizhans' maiden TNPL title in 2025. With his sights set on the Ranji Trophy, it will be exciting to see how his journey unfolds in the coming seasons.
Raheja's focus on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the IPL 2026 auction, despite not being selected for the IPL this year, underscores his commitment to improving his cricket skills in different formats, driving him towards a broader success in both sports for the sake of his health. His drive to avoid being branded as a white-ball only player and establish himself in the red-ball format indicates his ambition to expand his cricket career beyond the limited-overs matches, aiming for a balanced and healthy progression in sports.
