With preparation for the U-19 Cricket World Cup in full swing, Nepal, who have been pitted into a tough group, are hoping to pull off some big upsets in the tournament. Raju Rijal, the U-19 captain, hopes that being the underdogs in the group will work to the team’s advantage. In this interview with the Post’s Alisha Sijapati, Rijal talks about his budding cricket career, juggling academics and sports, and his hopes for the World Cup. Excerpts:

When did your journey as a cricketer begin?

I started playing cricket when I was 12 or 13 years old. My residence then was just beside a large field; I would gather friends and family to go out and play there. Back  then, cricket, to me, was only a way of having fun and a form of recreation. It never crossed my mind that I would go on to continue playing cricket, let alone representing my country one day. My cricketing career had very humble beginnings, and I feel blessed to be where I am today.

How did you get selected for the youth setup at CAN?

A few years back, CAN was conducting a selection camp in my hometown Dhangadi.  Back then, I knew I played decently but had never thought I would get selected into national youth teams. Secretly, I dreamt of representing the national colours, but I deliberated for a long time. Thankfully, my friends and family egged me on and I gave the camp a shot. It was all a happy accident. One thing led to another, and the rest—like they say—is history.

Pursuing a career in cricket at your age must be difficult. How important is your academic career?

Very. I finished just my high school last year and I am now pursuing an undergraduate degree.

How do you juggle college and cricket?

It is a difficult balance. I have always wanted to finish my Bachelors’ degree and I chose to pursue business management, which can get tough at times. But as I go along, I have learnt to balance both of them. After completing my studies, I plan to focus more on my cricket career. Right now, however, I am equally committed to both.

The U-19 captaincy has great pedigree and some of the former U-19 captains have gone on to leave their mark in the senior squad as well. Did it come as a surprise when you were chosen the U-19 captain and were you ready for the responsibility?

Playing cricket and enjoying the game has always been my primary focus. I play with all my passion. I wasn’t really looking forward to or expecting to lead the squad. It was the selection committee’s choice to make me a captain. Representing your country in an international platform is definitely is a huge honour, and I hope that I have been able to step into the big shoes left behind by my predecessors. That being said, I continue to grow and learn every day and the heightened responsibilities are helping me mature quickly.

The U-19 World Cup is around the corner. How is the preparation going? What are your expectations?

The entire team is really looking forward for the tournament in Bangladesh. Preparation are in full swing but I still feel that we still have a long way to go before we can be competitive against countries like India, Australia, South Africa, and the rest. We, however, will definitely try to give our best performance and make our country proud. We are in a difficult group alongside India, Australia, and New Zealand, but hopefully, we can be the dark horses and pull off a few upsets.  

What was the most memorable match you have ever played?

Playing against Ireland for the World Cup qualifying rounds in Malaysia is my fondest cricketing memory. We were the underdogs going into the match and I didn’t think we had a chance. But we emerged victorious and consequently qualified for the World Cup.  It was such an exhilarating and proud moment for all of us.

Do you see cricket as a career worth pursuing in Nepal?

I still have a long way to go. But after I finish my education I want to shift my entire focus on cricket and play for the national cricket team in the future.

I think it is definitely a career worth pursuing, especially given the huge strides the game has made in the past decade. Pursuing a career in sports is still difficult in Nepal, but the conditions today are far more conducive than they have ever been.