Shimla : Raj Angad Bawa, the promising young all-rounder from Himachal Pradesh, has been bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2024 auction. The deal is not just a significant step in Bawa’s career but a proud moment for cricket in Himachal and Chandigarh, as the 21-year-old is set to join one of the most successful franchises in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
A Bright Future Ahead: Raj Angad Bawa’s IPL Journey
Raj Angad Bawa’s selection for Mumbai Indians is a testament to his cricketing talent and potential. With his base price set at ₹30 lakh, Bawa’s inclusion in the squad is a major achievement. The second day of the IPL 2024 auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, proved to be a key turning point for Bawa. After making his IPL debut with Punjab Kings in 2022, he now returns to the IPL stage, this time with Mumbai Indians, a team renowned for its success and ability to develop young talent.
For Bawa, this is not the first time he’s stepping onto an international platform. The young cricketer has previously represented India at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2022, where he played a crucial role in the team’s championship victory. He also played in the Under-19 Asia Cup, further establishing his credentials as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Cricket Runs in the Bawa Family: Raj Angad’s Journey
Raj Angad Bawa’s journey to the IPL has been shaped by his family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport. Born in Nahan, a town in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Bawa moved to Chandigarh at a young age, where his passion for cricket flourished. His father, Sukhwinder Bawa, a veteran cricket coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), introduced him to the game. With three decades of coaching experience, Sukhwinder has been a guiding force in Raj Angad’s development as a cricketer.
The Bawa family’s cricketing legacy goes even further back, with Raj Angad being the grandson of Trilochan Singh Bawa, a member of India’s gold-medal-winning hockey team at the 1948 London Olympics. With such a rich sporting heritage, it’s no surprise that Raj Angad has excelled in cricket, carrying forward the Bawa family’s passion for sports.
Bawa’s Rising Career: From Domestic Cricket to International Recognition
Raj Angad Bawa’s cricket career has been on an upward trajectory. After representing India at the U-19 level, he continued to impress in domestic cricket. In February 2024, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for the Chandigarh team, taking another important step in his professional journey. He is currently playing for the Chandigarh seniors in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showcasing his skills at a national level.
This rapid rise through the ranks of domestic cricket and international youth competitions has earned Bawa a coveted spot in the IPL. His ability to perform under pressure and his versatility as an all-rounder make him an exciting prospect for Mumbai Indians. As he joins a star-studded lineup, Bawa will look to further hone his skills and learn from some of the best players in world cricket.
Mumbai Indians: A Platform for Growth and Success
Mumbai Indians, known for their consistent IPL success, is the perfect platform for Bawa to further his career. With a squad that includes some of the finest cricketers in the world, Bawa will have the opportunity to train alongside and learn from legends such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kieron Pollard.
Mumbai’s strong emphasis on youth development makes it an ideal environment for a young talent like Bawa to thrive. With their proven track record of nurturing emerging stars, the franchise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping his growth as a cricketer, both on and off the field.
Impact on UT Cricket Association (UTCA) and Himachal Pradesh’s Cricket Scene
Bawa’s inclusion in the IPL is a major achievement for the UT Cricket Association (UTCA) and a proud moment for the cricketing community in Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. His selection highlights the growing talent pool in these regions, showing that players from smaller states can make it to the biggest cricketing stage in the world.
The UTCA’s President, Sanjay Tandon, expressed his pride in Bawa’s success, congratulating him and his father, Sukhwinder Bawa, on the achievement. He believes that Bawa’s experience in the IPL will sharpen his skills and bring further recognition to cricket in Chandigarh. Tandon also believes that Bawa’s success will inspire other young cricketers in the region to follow in his footsteps and aim for the highest levels of the game.
A Bright Future for Bawa in IPL 2025
As Raj Angad Bawa embarks on his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians, the cricketing world will be watching closely. With his all-round abilities, Bawa has the potential to make a significant impact in IPL 2025. Whether it’s with the bat or ball, his presence in the Mumbai Indians lineup will add a new dimension to their squad. As a versatile all-rounder, Bawa can contribute in various roles, making him a valuable asset for the franchise.
The 2025 season will provide Bawa with the opportunity to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages in world cricket, and with Mumbai Indians’ support, there is no doubt that he will rise to the occasion.
A Star in the Making
Raj Angad Bawa’s inclusion in the IPL 2025 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. From his early days in Himachal Pradesh to playing alongside cricketing greats in Mumbai, Bawa’s journey is an inspiring one. With a bright future ahead, Bawa is poised to become one of India’s most promising all-rounders, and his IPL journey is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in international cricket. His success is not just a victory for him but for the entire cricketing community in Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and beyond.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.