Rajneesh Dadar rises from tennis-ball cricket to Delhi U23 success

Rajneesh Dadar, a 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler, has emerged as a rising prospect in Delhi cricket after overcoming significant financial hardships. Originally playing tennis-ball cricket in Jahangirpuri, Dadar transitioned to competitive cricket with the support of his coach, Shekhar Sharma, who funded his academy fees, equipment, and studies.

Dadar has seen recent success in several formats. In the Col C. K. Nayudu Trophy, he recorded figures of 6-43 against Gujarat for the Delhi U23 team. His performance in the Delhi Premier League also stood out; he took 11 wickets in nine matches for Central Delhi Kings in 2024 and 19 wickets in nine matches for Purani Dilli 6 in 2025.

His progression has included training as a net bowler for the Gujarat Titans, where he gained experience alongside international players. Dadar continues to work toward professional opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a potential call-up to the Indian national team.