Hyderabad, Sept 26, 2025: Young cricketer Rapole Sai Santosh, who has steadily risen from the cricketing lanes of LB Nagar to national recognition, has now added another milestone to his inspiring journey. On September 25, 2025, Santosh officially signed a sponsorship contract with A.K. 47 Sports, a Hyderabad-based sports company owned by former cricketer Mohammad Abdul Khaleel.
Speaking on the development, Santosh said, “On behalf of Wasiq Numan Shaikh, youth president of the All India Azad Congress, my name was recommended to A.K. 47 Sports. After seeing my talent and performance in the Arunachal Premier League, the company’s owner came forward to extend sponsorship support to me.”
The company, operating near Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad for over a decade, has supported budding sports talents across Telangana. With Khaleel’s own cricketing background, the tie-up is seen as a fitting step in Santosh’s journey toward higher opportunities.
A Cricketing Journey Marked by Persistence
Santosh’s cricket career has been a story of grit, opportunity-seeking, and constant progression:
- Under-14 (SGFI): Represented Telangana in school games tournaments.
- Under-17 (SGFI): Continued his journey with strong performances in national-level fixtures.
- Under-16 (BCCI): Played for Hyderabad U-16 ‘B’ team in the prestigious Vijay Merchant Trophy.
- Under-23 (BCCI): Represented in the Men’s U-23 ‘A’ Trophy, showcasing adaptability at senior youth level.
- Ranji Trophy Camp: Invited to the training camp for Arunachal Pradesh, a sign of readiness for first-class cricket.
His selection in the Arunachal Pradesh Under-23 squad for the 2024–25 BCCI Men’s State-A Trophy was a defining moment, proving his ability to adapt and shine beyond his home state.
Overcoming Challenges: Hyderabad to Arunachal
Born and brought up in LB Nagar, Hyderabad, Santosh had limited local opportunities to showcase his cricketing skills. Determined, he shifted base to Arunachal Pradesh, where his fast-bowling and all-rounder skills quickly caught the attention of state selectors.
Starting cricket at age 12, he trained under Hyderabad coaches K. Vinod Kumar and BAG Walter, who played a crucial role in shaping his game. His international training stint in London further broadened his exposure, sharpening his technical skills and preparing him for competitive cricket environments.
A Rising Star with Broader Horizons
Beyond cricket, Santosh is known as:
- A travel enthusiast with love for India’s cultural diversity.
- A foodie with a special fondness for parathas, bread pakodas, and tomato ketchup.
- A motorbike rider who enjoys long-distance rides.
- A curious follower of current affairs and human behavior.
Looking Ahead
The sponsorship by A.K. 47 Sports not only validates Santosh’s achievements so far but also ensures he has financial and professional backing for the next phase of his career. At just 21, with national-level exposure and international training behind him, Rapole Sai Santosh stands out as a promising name to watch in Indian cricket.
