Interview with Shubhendu Rai: Professional Cricketer and Entrepreneur
Meet Shubhendu Rai, a versatile professional cricketer and accomplished entrepreneur, hails from the heartland of Mau, Uttar Pradesh. With a captivating journey marked by determination and resilience, Shubhendu’s love for cricket began in the narrow streets of his hometown. Overcoming hurdles, he moved to Varanasi at the age of 16, striving for self-independence, securing scholarships, and earning sponsorships to pursue his cricketing dreams. After a brief hiatus for family responsibilities, he not only made a spectacular comeback in league cricket but also carved a niche for himself as the founder of Yuvraj Enterprises in Mumbai. Shubhendu’s story is a testament to the fusion of passion and perseverance, where cricket and entrepreneurship intertwine to shape a truly inspiring narrative.
Shubhendu Rai wiki and biography:
| Name | Shubhendu Rai |
| Profession | PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Birth Place | MAU, UP |
| Currently living in | Mumbai |
| Family | FATHER- SHRI SUMAN RAI MOTHER- MANISHA RAI Brother – Divyendu Rai Wife – RIYANKA RAI |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts |
| Martial Status | Married |
| Work | PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER & CEO at YMT GROUP INDIA PVT LTD |
| Net worth | Rs. 10 Crores |
| Source of Income | Professional Cricketer & Business |
| Hobbies | Travelling & Philanthropy |
Interviewer: Shubhendu, it’s great to have you here. Let’s start from the beginning. Can you share with us your earliest memories of playing cricket and how your journey in the sport began?
Shubhendu Rai: Thank you! My love for cricket started in my hometown, Mau, Uttar Pradesh. I remember playing with friends in the streets and dreaming of donning the Blue Uniform one day. The journey began at the age of 16 when I moved to Varanasi to pursue my cricket dreams.
Interviewer: Moving to Varanasi at such a young age must have been challenging. How did you manage to become self-independent and pursue your passion for cricket?
Shubhendu Rai: It was indeed a challenging phase. I got scholarships from a cricket academy and secured sponsors to support my training. Shri. Ajay Mishra in Varanasi played a crucial role in shaping my skills and turning an ordinary kid into a gem.
Interviewer: After facing hurdles and making a mark in cricket, you took a break. Can you tell us about that period and what motivated your comeback?
Shubhendu Rai: Family responsibilities led me to leave professional cricket temporarily. I moved to Mumbai, started Yuvraj Enterprises, and found success in the business world. However, the love for cricket never faded. The realization during the COVID-19 pandemic that life was incomplete without cricket fueled my comeback after a four-year gap.
Interviewer: Your recent performances in league matches have been impressive. What inspired you to make such a strong comeback, grabbing 14 wickets and scoring over 100 runs in just 8 matches?
Shubhendu Rai: The comeback was a combination of passion, determination, and the support of my mentor, Mr. Abhinav Shukla. I wanted to prove that age is just a number, and with the right mindset, one can achieve anything. The success in league matches is a testament to that belief.
Interviewer: You’re known as the “Mystery Spinner.” Can you share a bit about your unique style of spin bowling and how you developed it?
Shubhendu Rai: The “Mystery Spinner” tag comes from my unpredictable deliveries. I worked on variations, spin, and mastering the art of being unreadable. It’s about keeping the batsmen guessing and having confidence in delivering the unexpected.
Interviewer: Your journey involves not only cricket but also entrepreneurship. How do you balance your time between your business and cricket commitments?
Shubhendu Rai: Balancing both worlds requires discipline and effective time management. During business hours, I focus on Yuvraj Enterprises, and after that, it’s all about cricket. It’s challenging, but the passion for both keeps me going.
Interviewer: Shubhendu, your dedication to cricket is truly commendable. Can you share more about your experiences during the World Cup net bowling sessions across Indian cities? And, we heard you traveled to Bangladesh in 2022 for the same. How did those experiences contribute to your growth as a cricketer?
Shubhendu Rai: Absolutely, those experiences were invaluable in honing my skills. Traveling across Indian cities for the World Cup net bowling sessions provided me with exposure to different playing conditions and allowed me to bowl to some of the finest batsmen in the world. It was a tremendous learning curve that significantly enhanced my adaptability and game awareness.
Our visit to Bangladesh in 2022 was another milestone. Experiencing cricket in a different country not only broadened my perspective but also exposed me to diverse playing styles. The challenges faced during those sessions were instrumental in refining my technique and strategy on the field. Overall, these global experiences have played a crucial role in shaping me as a cricketer, contributing to both my skill set and mental resilience.
Interviewer: Speaking of challenges, you faced adversity and emerged stronger. Can you share a specific moment or incident that tested your resilience and how you overcame it?
Shubhendu Rai: One challenging moment was leaving professional cricket for family reasons. It was tough, but family always comes first. The support of my loved ones, coupled with the burning desire to return to the sport, helped me overcome that phase.
Interviewer: Your comeback is indeed inspiring. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations in cricket, and do you have any specific goals, such as representing the Indian Cricket Team?
Shubhendu Rai: Representing the Indian Cricket Team is the ultimate dream. I am currently playing in various leagues and aiming to catch the selectors’ attention. My goal is to bring my talent and maturity to the international stage and serve the nation.
Interviewer: Let’s shift gears a bit. You’re not just a cricketer but also an entrepreneur. How did your experience in marketing jobs and starting Yuvraj Enterprises contribute to your personal and professional growth?
Shubhendu Rai: Working in marketing jobs taught me valuable skills like communication, strategy, and teamwork. Starting Yuvraj Enterprises added another dimension to my experience, providing insights into business operations and leadership. Both experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded individual.
Interviewer: With your busy schedule, how do you manage to stay fit and maintain peak performance on the field?
Shubhendu Rai: Fitness is a non-negotiable aspect of professional cricket. I follow a strict fitness regimen, including regular workouts and proper nutrition. It’s about making conscious choices to ensure physical and mental well-being.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about your role as a net bowler for the Indian Cricket Team. What does it mean to you, and how has this experience influenced your game?
Shubhendu Rai: Being a net bowler for the Indian Cricket Team is an honor. It’s an opportunity to observe, learn, and contribute to the team’s preparation. The experience has provided invaluable insights into the professional cricketing world, shaping my approach to the game.
Interviewer: Your association with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is noteworthy. How did that experience contribute to your growth as a cricketer?
Shubhendu Rai: Playing for KSCA was a crucial phase in my development. The competitive environment, quality coaching, and exposure to various playing styles enhanced my skills. It laid the foundation for my cricketing journey and contributed significantly to my growth.
Interviewer: Now, let’s talk about your role as an entrepreneur. What motivated you to start Yuvraj Enterprises, and how has the business journey been so far?
Shubhendu Rai: Yuvraj Enterprises was born out of the desire to explore my entrepreneurial side. The journey has been challenging yet fulfilling. It taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in the business world.
Interviewer: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact globally. How did it influence your perspective on life and your decision to recommit to professional cricket?
Shubhendu Rai: The pandemic made me reflect on life’s priorities. It reinforced my love for cricket, and the realization that life is incomplete without pursuing one’s passions prompted me to make a strong comeback to the sport.
Interviewer: You mentioned Mr. Abhinav Shukla as a guiding figure during your comeback. Can you share how his mentorship has influenced your cricketing journey?
Shubhendu Rai: Mr. Abhinav Shukla’s mentorship has been invaluable. During challenging times, he provided guidance, support, and a helping hand. His experience and insights have played a crucial role in shaping my mindset and approach to the game.
Interviewer: As a mystery spinner, unpredictability is key. How do you maintain that element of surprise, and what goes into planning your deliveries during a match?
Shubhendu Rai: Maintaining unpredictability involves constantly evolving and adding new variations to my arsenal. Planning deliveries during a match is a combination of studying the batsmen, assessing the pitch conditions, and relying on intuition. It’s about staying one step ahead.
Interviewer: With the goal of entering the Indian Cricket Team, what specific areas of your game are you currently working on to enhance your chances?
Shubhendu Rai: I am continuously working on refining my skills, both as a bowler and a batter. Consistency is key, and I am focusing on delivering match-winning performances consistently. Additionally, I am honing my mental resilience to handle pressure situations at the international level.
Interviewer: Your journey involves various aspects, from a middle-class background to entrepreneurship. How has your upbringing shaped your character and approach to life?
Shubhendu Rai: Coming from a middle-class background instilled values of hard work, perseverance, and humility. These values guide my approach to both cricket and business. It’s a reminder of where I come from and the importance of staying grounded.
Interviewer: As we wrap up, what message do you have for aspiring cricketers and individuals looking to pursue their passions, whether it be in sports or business?
Shubhendu Rai: My message is simple: believe in your dreams, work hard, and never give up. Challenges will come, but they are opportunities in disguise. Whether in sports or business, success comes to those who persist with dedication and passion.
Interviewer: Thank you, Shubhendu, for sharing your incredible journey with us. We wish you all the best in your endeavors, both on the cricket field and in your entrepreneurial ventures.
Shubhendu Rai: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story. I hope it inspires others to chase their dreams relentlessly.
