Rajesh Dhuper first and foremost is a very talented batsman, he has represented Odisha on more than 80 occasions across all three formats with his first-class debut being made back in October 2015.

While Rajesh got a good run in the side in his first season as a first-class cricketer, it was the following season where Rajesh really announced himself as a player of significant talent. A patient 97 against Tamil Nadu was followed up by 86 against Baroda, both coming from the number seven spot, then promoted to open the batting in their second innings against Madhya Pradesh, Dhuper again made a healthy contribution with 88.  

A couple of quieter seasons and a cancelled campaign due to Covid ensued, but not without the classy bat making his maiden first-class century in February 2020 when he walked out with his side struggling in the first innings at 96-5. Rajesh showed the other side to his batting, the ability to go through the gears and clear the boundary, with an unbeaten century (110 not out) that included seven sixes and six fours!

 Dhuper then returned to form in 2021/22 averaging 42.20, including three half-centuries and demonstrated his poise behind the stumps with 10 catches and three stumpings in the three games he played.

 His white ball form has almost mirrored his efforts in the longer format, a stand out season in 2017/18 averaging 54.66 being a particular highlight to date.

Rajesh is no stranger to the UK, he has had two seasons here in 2022 with Ilminster CC in the West of England Premier League and in 2023 with St Peters CC in the Sussex Cricket League. He made just under 600 league runs at 49.58 with Ilminster and 709 league runs at 59.08 with St Peters where he made four centuries.

Previous clubs have described Rajesh as ‘a lovely guy and a very good player’, his coach at Odisha, former Test batsman Wasim Jaffer also confirmed him as a ‘very fine cricketer’.

Very capable indeed with the gloves, Dhuper can also turn his arm over an offer overs with some more than useful leggies. He snared 23 wickets in the league at Ilminster at an average of 20.74 from his 106 overs.

Very eager to return and play Premier League cricket in the UK in 2025, Rajesh recently tied the knot and will be travelling with his wife and they’re keen to find the right club to immerse themselves into his next adventure here.