Dubai. The 19-year-old all-rounder Rahul Bhatia, who has been selected for the UAE national team for the Asia Cup qualifier commencing from August 29 in Malaysia, is about to realise his dream for which he worked hard ever since he started playing cricket.
Rahul has many dreams and the first was to play for the UAE in international cricket and another is to play in a World Cup, but his immediate dream is to play against India in the Asia Cup in Dubai next month.
To realise his dream of playing against India, Rahul wants to produce a match-winning performance if picked in the playing XI for the Asia Cup qualifier.
Rahul had won matches before for the UAE Under-19 team in Malaysia. He played a pivotal role in the UAE emerging as Asia Under-19 Western Region champions in Malaysia in 2017 and won the best bowler of the tournament award.
Speaking to Gulf News before flying out for the Asia Cup qualifier, Rahul said: “I was on cloud nine when coach Dougie Brown told me that I will be part of the UAE team for the Asia Cup qualifier in Malaysia. It was my father, Neelesh Bhatia (a local cricketer), who taught me at the age of three on how to bowl and it was his dream to see me play for UAE under Rohan Mustafa’s captaincy. I worked hard every day for it and gave my best in every match.”
From the age of 10 in schools cricket Rahul won the best bowler, player of the tournament and man of match in domestic tournaments regularly and rose to emerge as Asia Under-19 Western Region tournament’s best bowler with an 18 wicket tally from four matches.
While playing against Papua New Guinea in Dubai, he wrecked the team with a spell of five wickets for 21 runs in a practice match. He also produced good spells against Afghanistan, Namibia, Bermuda and Netherlands.
“I not only worked hard on improving my bowling but fitness too,” he said. “I went to Chennai for special training at R Accelerate, an athletes performance company where sportsmen are trained according to their individual requirements under trainer Rajamani. I also went to train under coach Robin Singh and improved my fielding skills. I wanted to be at my best to contribute for the UAE when selected.”
Rahul, who want to keep on improving his skills also said: “All the seniors have been very supportive especially left arm spinner Ahmad Raza who has given me very good tips. I am happy I am going to Malaysia again where I bowled the UAE Under-19s to championship.”
