Anshuman Rath who has played international cricket for Hong Kong has quit the country’s national team and is now looking to make his name in the Indian domestic circuit after migrating to Orissa, the place of birth of his parents who are now Hong Kong citizens. Rath would be playing for Orissa in the upcoming Indian domestic season.
"The Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) has been warm and players are very friendly. I am looking forward to representing Orissa this year," Rath was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Enlisting his dream Rath, who represented his nation of birth in 18 ODIs and 20 T20Is having debuted at an age of 17 in 2014 said, “I am grateful to Hong Kong Cricket for the opportunities but I wanted to push myself. Associate cricket has its limitation, the facilities, exposure and resources are limited.”
I've soon realised that I cannot achieve my goal of playing Test cricket by being in Hong Kong. That is why I have moved to India. Playing in the country of my parents is also a matter of pride for me," the one time Middlesex 2nd XI player added.
While he has an average of 51 in ODIs, in the five First-Class matches that he has played representing Hong Kong in the Intercontinental Cup, his average increases to 65 with a best of 98 unbeaten to his name.
The 24-year-old Rath has also led Hong Kong previously. The Orissa team will be coached this year by domestic legend Wasim Jaffer and hence with Rath coming in, some improvements might be around the corner for the state.