Abhishek Raut

Abhishek Raut is a high-quality all-rounder from Odisha in India. A hard-hitting Right-Hander & Right-Arm Leg Spinner, Abhishek first featured in the professional game in India in 2005, aged 18 for his native Maharashtra, whom he had represented throughout the junior age groups. He spent time with Goa & Mumbai as he struggled to cement a regular slot for the Ranji Trophy. It didn’t help being pidgeon-holed as a “white-ball” finisher after 3 seasons with the Rajasthan Royals under Shane Warne in the IPL.

Having been somewhat of a journeyman, Abhishek landed at Odisha in 2018, where he has been a regular feature with his clever leg-spin and reliable middle-order contributions ever since across all 3 formats. In summer 2019-20, he was one of the Ranji Trophy side’s best performers, with 525 runs @ 35.00 and 7 wickets @ 28.14 in 6 games.

Abhishek has had 2 previous seasons in the UK, a 2015 stint with Cheshire powerhouse, Nantwich CC, scoring 492 runs @ 41.00 and taking 27 wickets @ 20.30. After a 4-year hiatus, he returned to the UK in 2019, joining Chichester Priory Park CC in the Sussex Cricket League 2nd Division. He was again a valuable all-round contributor, scoring 439 runs @ 29.27 and helping himself to 32 wickets @ 15.44, bagging a best of 6-27 against Lindfield CC and fellow WSX Client, Apoorv Wankhade.

Abhishek returned to the UK in 2022, albeit a very late arrival due to home office issues, linking with Whalley CC in the Ribblesdale League. 20 wickets @ 20.65 in 9 games was a solid return but he didn’t take to the batting conditions, nor did anyone at the club this summer with an average 1st innings total being around the 120 mark.

Summer 2023 was a different story, with Abhishek heading to Ireland for the first time, linking with Cliftonville Academy CC in the Northern Cricket Union. He was outstanding, with 1044 runs & 32 wickets and plenty of feedback from opposition clubs that he was a standout in a league known for being very competitive.

Seeking a return to the UK next summer, Abhishek will be a great pick up for a club seeking a genuine all-rounder that has prior UK experience and a good record behind him. Abhishek’s wife will join him for the season.