Injuries won't deter batter destined for great things

On 3 September 2017, Sagar Raghvani made his debut for Edgware Cricket Club in the now infamous 'Mill Hill Massacre', where Edgware fell 40 runs short chasing St Anne's All Stars' score of 161/4. M Langebridge took 6/20 off 5.1 overs that day and Sagar was the third and final wicket in Langebridge's hat-trick.

Since then, Sagar has firmly established his spot within the Edgware CC squad. A hard-hitting left handed batsman with a splash of West Indian grace and flare, Sagar is a fan favourite. After a single appearance in 2017, Sagar returned to Edgware colours in 2020 and in 4 appearances hit 106 runs at an average of 35.33 with a top score of 50 against Littlehampton (Sussex Tour). As of March '23, he's appeared 30 times for the boys in blue scoring over 370 runs and taking 10 wickets. I caught up with Sagar ahead of the 2023 season to discuss his ambitions for the season and his recent injury record.

SP: You've looked solid at indoor nets this winter and you've come on leaps and bounds since your debut a few years back. What are your aspirations for 2023?

SR: In 2023, I'm aiming high. Provided I can stay fit, I'm hoping to achieve an average of 35+ with my batting. Scoring a century will be up there too. I want to work on controlling myself when I'm on the square. As the fans will be aware, I can get frustrated after a few dot balls and it causes me to force shorts that aren't really in play. This season I'll be focusing on controlling my mindset and I won't let the opposition get under my skin.

SP: .. and how about your bowling, that's been an increasingly useful asset in recent years?

SR: I'd also like to take a few wickets, bowled clean of course. In addition to that, I'd love to take a couple of wonder catches which would be the cherry on top.

Unfortunately for Sagar, he's been plagued with injuries. A foot injury in 2022 was followed by a slice to the thumb which left the all-rounder out of action for the majority of the 2022 season (see photo below). A fresh injury ahead of the 2023 season will likely see Sagar miss April and the first half of May, which will no doubt frustrate first team skipper Sajith Sriwickramasekaran.

SP: You've been pretty injury prone over the past couple of years to say the least which has limited your opportunities. How are you feeling and how is the latest injury?

SR: It honestly couldn't be more frustrating (on the injuries). It's like clock work. Soon as the cricket season is around the corner, one of my bones decides to break or a tendon rips. Wouldn't mind it so much if it happened after the cricket season. My recent injury isn't too bad, a small break on my left hand. I'm hoping to be back by mid April and I really need to control my antics off the pitch, that's for sure!

Despite the injuries, all the ingredients for a cracking cricketer are there for Sagar. If he is able to stay fit, he'll continue to learn how to carve out an innings and he'll continue to be a real threat with the ball. Both Edgware and their captain know that they've got a real talent bubbling under the surface and it is just a matter of time until he kicks on.