Blending learning with love for cricket

Aditya Rajesh Rangwani is bringing his passion for cricket to his master’s degree. Originally from India, he hopes to represent New Zealand in the sport one day.

Aditya played representative cricket for the Baroda Cricket Association in India at under-16, under-19, under-23, and under-25 levels, and attended two national camps in the under-16 and under-19 age groups. He also received a recommendation to play first-class cricket, but didn’t see the right opportunities or pathways for himself in India, so he turned his attention abroad.

“I decided to come to New Zealand to attain my master’s degree as well as play cricket,” says Aditya.

Aditya is an all-rounder who bats at number three and bowls leg spin. His cricket agent put him in touch with Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club, and he’s spent the last season playing for their premier team.

“I like the competitiveness in cricket and the fire it brings out within me during the game, and I love to win, that’s why I play cricket,” says Aditya.

He received the Premier Player of the Year award in his first season with Hibiscus Coast. As a result of his performance, he got a call-up to play a match with the Auckland Development squad.

Aditya hopes to play professional cricket in the future. He will become eligible for the Black Caps after playing three seasons of cricket in New Zealand. In the meantime, he has his sights set on an Auckland Aces contract. 

Aditya is also bringing his passion for cricket to his Master’s degree which he will complete in September. He’s currently undertaking a research project looking at team sponsorship influence in premier-grade cricket in New Zealand.

“I know study is my priority, but I want to play at the top level, so I need to manage both.”

Aditya says he’s enjoying his studies in New Zealand, especially the structured programme, the online resources, and the support from his supervisor, Sean Quifors, who shares his interest in sports.