Hyderabad: Rapole Sai Santosh, a young and determined cricketer from LB Nagar, Hyderabad, is making waves on the national stage. Having risen through the ranks of school and domestic cricket, his recent selection in the Arunachal Pradesh Under-23 team for the prestigious BCCI Men’s State-A Trophy (2024–25) marks a significant milestone in his sporting career.
Steady Rise Through the Ranks: Career Highlights
Santosh’s cricketing journey is a story of perseverance and passion. His consistent performances across various levels of competition demonstrate both his commitment and potential. Here’s a breakdown of his career milestones:
- Under-14 Level:
Represented Telangana in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) tournaments, earning early recognition for his talent. - Under-17 Level:
Continued his progress by participating in the SGFI Under-17 tournaments, performing admirably in inter-school and national-level fixtures. - Under-16 (BCCI):
Selected for the Hyderabad Under-16 ‘B’ team and competed in the prestigious Vijay Merchant Trophy, India’s top Under-16 cricket competition. - Under-23 (BCCI):
Represented in the BCCI Men’s Under-23 ‘A’ Trophy, showcasing his growth and adaptability at the next level. - Ranji Trophy Camp:
Invited to participate in the Ranji Trophy training camp for Arunachal Pradesh, indicating his readiness for first-class cricket.
Selection for Arunachal Pradesh: A Defining Moment
At just 21 years of age, Santosh has been named in Arunachal Pradesh’s Under-23 squad following standout performances in trial matches. Known for his fast bowling and valuable all-rounder capabilities, this opportunity is a major step forward in his cricketing ambitions.
From Hyderabad to Arunachal: Overcoming Challenges
Hailing from LB Nagar, Hyderabad, Santosh encountered limited local opportunities to advance in cricket. Undeterred, he took the bold step of relocating to Arunachal Pradesh, where he quickly impressed state selectors with his skills and dedication.
Early Start and Strong Mentorship
Santosh began his cricketing journey at the age of 12. He soon earned places in Telangana’s Under-16 and Under-17 SGFI teams and played in the BCCI’s Vijay Merchant Trophy. Under the mentorship of Hyderabad-based coaches K. Vinod Kumar and BAG Walter, he honed his technique and matured as a player.
International Exposure in London
In an effort to broaden his cricketing horizons, Santosh traveled to London for advanced training. This international stint allowed him to:
- Enhance his technical skills
- Experience a variety of playing conditions
- Understand international cricket standards up close
This global exposure has further equipped him for future high-level competitions.
Beyond Cricket: A Well-Rounded Individual
Off the field, Santosh exhibits a wide range of interests:
- Keen observer with a passion for travel and exploring diverse Indian cultures
- Food lover with a soft spot for parathas, bread pakodas, and tomato ketchup
- Motorbike enthusiast who enjoys long rides
- Follows current affairs, socio-economic trends, and is curious about human behavior and the world at large
Looking Ahead: A Rising Star to Watch
Rapole Sai Santosh’s journey from Hyderabad to the national cricketing map is a testament to his resilience, discipline, and ambition. With his recent selection and growing experience, including international exposure, he stands poised for greater success in Indian cricket.
As he continues to push boundaries on and off the field, Santosh serves as an inspiration for countless young cricketers across the country—proving that with determination and hard work, the path to the top is never out of reach.
