- August 15, 2025
Cricket fans enjoy an extravagant six, and let’s be honest: there is nothing better than seeing a ball soaring over the boundary. On the flipside, there are occasionally stories that matter more than the ones you watch and witness blaring all over social media. Meet R. Smaran, Karnataka’s young gun who is quietly changing the rule book for young cricketers. R. Smaran has demonstrated that cricket is just as much about doing mind tricks and being mentally strong as it is about raw muscle.
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Smaran’s journey has not been a direct path in terms of success, and he was disappointed to miss out on the India Under-19 World Cup 2022 squad due to a stress fracture in his right shin, which is hard luck for any developing player. Many players may have spent this time in despair, but not Smaran.
He took time to breathe and focus on his game – not just physically but mentally as well. While most other players were busy having a net session, Smaran was creating his own game: creating his routines – batting, practicing, gym practicing, running, and even pickleball at night – to make sure he stays sharp and not to think too much about it.
That discipline first showed up when he started playing Karnataka’s domestic circuits. The early days were not EASY at all; five Ranji Trophy games, without even a half-century, would have shaken the confidence of any other young cricketer.
Mastering More Than the Big Hit
It would be easy to classify Smaran as a “six-hitter” because of his talent for whacking the ball over the boundary, but there is so much more to his game than brute strength. For a guy who is almost six feet tall, his long levers do help, but the most impressive element of his batting style is the versatility that he brings to the table. Smaran can churn runs with ease in challenging situations, as well as smash loose balls straight over the boundary.
The ability Smaran possesses in technique is evidenced by former Karnataka players and talent scouts, but what has made it season dry hard work in his development. Smaran even admits that T20s can be thrilling like a convertible car ride in the scheme of it all, but red-ball cricket is his priority.
The Mental Edge That Counts
What stands out most about Smaran doesn’t just lie in his abilities but in his mental approach to the game. Facing injuries, the letdown of not playing in the Under-19 World Cup, and the pressure of taking the place of established players have created mental strength in him that most young cricketers just don’t have. Each inning, from his 55 not out in the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy to a double century in the Ranji season, has been as much about his focus as it has been about technique.
Support is important too. Coaches such as Syed Zabiullah and, perhaps more importantly, his family, kept him grounded while encouraging his aspirations, which of course meant straying from the traditional route. Smaran’s story once again illustrates this; while he may have all the talent in the world, without the winning work ethic and mentality to turn problems into solutions, you may well fail to maintain a professional cricket career.
FAQs:
- Who is R. Smaran?
A talented young cricketer from Karnataka known for his powerful batting and strong technique.
- How did Smaran stay motivated during his injury?
He created personalized training routines, including batting drills, gym sessions, running, and pickleball.
- What is Smaran’s batting style?
He is a left-handed batter known for clearing boundaries and playing spin effectively.
