Raj Angad Bawa is a name gaining attention in the world of Indian cricket. He is a young, talented player known for his all-round abilities. This means he excels in both batting and bowling. Bawa first grabbed headlines during the 2022 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His performances there marked him as a player with significant potential for the future. Let’s explore the journey of this promising cricketer.
Early Life and Cricketing Genes
Raj Bawa comes from a family with a strong sporting background. He was born on November 12, 2002, in Himachal Pradesh, India. Cricket seems to run in his blood. His father, Sukhwinder Bawa, was a notable cricket coach.6 Sukhwinder even coached the legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh in his early years.
Interestingly, Raj Bawa’s grandfather, Tarlochan Singh Bawa, was also a successful sportsman. He was part of the Indian field hockey team that won a gold medal at the 1948 London Olympics. This rich sporting heritage likely played a role in shaping Raj’s own athletic path. Growing up around cricket discussions and training, he developed a passion for the game early on.
The Under-19 World Cup Heroics
The 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, held in the West Indies, was a turning point for Raj Bawa. He was a crucial member of the Indian squad that went on to win the tournament. Bawa showcased his exceptional all-round skills throughout the competition.
His most memorable performance came in the final against England. Under pressure, Bawa delivered with the ball, taking an impressive five wickets for just 31 runs (5/31). His bowling was instrumental in restricting England to a manageable total. He didn’t stop there. During India’s chase, he contributed a vital 35 runs with the bat, helping his team secure the championship title. His composure and skill in such a high-stakes match were widely praised.
Earlier in the tournament, Bawa also made history with the bat. He smashed an unbeaten 162 runs off just 108 balls against Uganda. This became the highest individual score by an Indian player in the history of the Under-19 World Cup, breaking Shikhar Dhawan’s previous record. This innings highlighted his powerful batting ability and potential to score big.
Playing Style: A True All-Rounder
Raj Bawa fits the description of a modern cricket all-rounder. He bats left-handed, often in the middle order, and is known for his ability to play attacking strokes. His batting style is elegant yet powerful.
With the ball, he is a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He can swing the ball and uses his height to generate good bounce. His performance in the U19 World Cup final demonstrated his wicket-taking ability, especially under pressure. Having skills in both departments makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL)
Following his U19 World Cup success, Raj Bawa attracted attention from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. The IPL is one of the biggest and most competitive T20 leagues globally. In the 2022 IPL mega auction, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured his services. They bought him for a significant sum of ₹2 crore (approximately US$260,000 at the time).
This marked a major step in his professional career, giving him a platform to play alongside and against some of the world’s best cricketers.
IPL Career and Domestic Cricket
Raj Bawa’s initial seasons in the IPL have been a learning experience. He made his debut for Punjab Kings but had limited opportunities in his first couple of years. Playing in a high-profile league like the IPL requires adapting to intense pressure and competition.
He continues to be part of the Punjab Kings setup as of early 2025. He is working hard to refine his skills and gain more consistent playing time. The experience of being in an IPL environment, sharing the dressing room with international stars, is invaluable for his development.
Beyond the IPL, Bawa represents Punjab in India’s domestic cricket circuit. Playing in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy (first-class), Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A), and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) is crucial for his growth. Consistent performances at the domestic level are key to earning a regular spot in the IPL team and potentially catching the eye of national selectors.
Strengths and Future Prospects
Raj Bawa’s primary strength lies in his all-round capabilities. Players who can genuinely contribute with both bat and ball are rare and highly valued. His U19 World Cup exploits showed he has the temperament for big matches. He possesses natural talent, a strong cricketing background, and the potential to become a match-winner.
The path forward requires continuous hard work and consistent performances. He needs to translate his potential into regular contributions in domestic cricket and the IPL. Breaking into the senior Indian national team is the ultimate goal for most young Indian cricketers, and Bawa certainly has the raw talent to aim for it. Many experts see him as a long-term prospect for India, possibly filling the seam-bowling all-rounder slot in the future.
Conclusion
Raj Bawa is undoubtedly one of India’s exciting young cricket talents. His journey from a cricket-loving kid with a sporting family background to becoming an Under-19 World Cup hero and an IPL player is inspiring. While still early in his senior career, his all-round skills, demonstrated potential, and performances under pressure make him a player to watch closely in the coming years. As he gains more experience and continues to develop, Raj Bawa could become a significant name in Indian and international cricket.