Cricket talent from the Shekhawati region has secured major recognition at the state level with the selection of two standout players from Sikar in the Rajasthan Ranji Trophy squad. Batsman Anshul Garhwal and wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary earned their places in the squad following consistent performances across district and domestic competitions. Rajasthan is scheduled to launch its Ranji campaign on October 11, taking on Tamil Nadu at the SMS Stadium in Jaipur.
Anshul Garhwal Impressive Season Run
Anshul Garhwal commanded the attention of state selectors through a prolific run with the bat while representing the Sikar district senior team. Across the senior competition, he accumulated around 900 runs, anchoring multiple crucial encounters. His standout knocks included a commanding 194-run innings against Karauli and a dynamic 148-run display against Jaipur. These performances demonstrated his ability to construct long innings under pressure. In addition to his senior team contributions, Garhwal previously led Sikar as captain in the Under-23 category.
Family Influence and Career Milestones
Garhwal attributes his sporting progression to the sustained backing of his family. Sporting excellence runs in the household, as his elder brother Aditya Garhwal previously represented Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy and currently works as an assistant manager in a bank. Anshul is currently employed with the Indian Railways as a Ticket Collector (TC). Reflecting on his formative years, he noted that his father, engineer Narendra Garhwal, and his mother, Dr. Savita Choudhary, provided full encouragement even when training facilities and cricket infrastructure in Sikar were scarce.
Mukul Choudhary Rise from Local Academy
Mukul Choudhary brings valuable top-tier experience to the state squad, having previously made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His fundamental cricket training began at the SBS Cricket Academy in Bhairupura. Following his foundational training, Choudhary delivered steady performances across various tournaments conducted by the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). His domestic reliability paired with his exposure in the IPL environment proved pivotal in securing his selection for the first-class side.
Community Recognition and Match Schedule
Following his initial breakthrough in the IPL, SBS Cricket Academy honoured Choudhary by naming a stand after him at their facility. Academy director Vijendra Pachar played an important role in nurturing his skills and offering mentorship throughout his developmental stages. Choudhary progression serves as a pathway model for aspiring cricketers developing their game in regional centers.
The Rajasthan team faces a demanding start to the competition, beginning with their clash against Tamil Nadu at the SMS Stadium on October 11. Following the opener, Rajasthan will contest their second fixture against Railways from October 18 to 21. A preparatory training camp for the selected squad members is currently underway at the RCA Academy to finalize match preparations.
