Anshuman Rath has lived through a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and near-retirement before finding joy in the game again. His journey is a reminder that cricket is as much about environment and mental health as it is about runs and wickets.
Anshuman Rath’s Early Promise
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Anshuman Rath quickly rose through the ranks as a talented left-handed batter. By his late teens, he was captaining Hong Kong and establishing himself as a stylish stroke-maker on the international stage.
His breakout moment came in 2018 at the Asia Cup, when Rath and Hong Kong came agonizingly close to defeating giants India. That innings didn’t just put him on the map — it hinted at a future where Hong Kong cricket could punch far above its weight.
But what looked like a fairytale was soon interrupted by personal and professional battles that tested his love for the game.
The Indian Dream That Turned Sour
After flirting with opportunities in England and New Zealand, Rath turned to India in 2019. With an Indian passport in hand, he believed he could build a career in domestic cricket, aiming for bigger stages.
Vidarbha: A Brief Spark of Hope
Initially, Vidarbha welcomed Rath warmly. Playing alongside stars like Jitesh Sharma and Faiz Fazal, he thrived in the club setup. Structured pathways, competitive cricket, and camaraderie reminded him of his experiences in the UK.
But when a BCCI registration issue blocked him from playing first-class cricket despite completing his cooling-off period, things crumbled. Rath recalls the disappointment vividly:
“To be told I couldn’t play despite doing everything right was hard to take.”
Odisha: A Lonely Struggle
Seeking a fresh start, Rath joined Odisha, his family’s home state. But instead of comfort, he found alienation. Hierarchy, favouritism, and lack of camaraderie made his stint a mental and emotional drain.
At one point, the stress grew so severe that Rath admits he punched his own collarbone during an injury scan, hoping to make it worse just to avoid playing. The joy of cricket had turned into a suffocating obligation.
Coping with Burnout and Weight Gain
Mental fatigue spilled into his personal life. Rath turned to food for comfort, gaining nearly 20 kilos during his time in India. His once-athletic frame mirrored the heavy emotional toll.
“No matter what level you play, if you’re not enjoying it, you’re wasting your time,” he reflected later.
Near Exit from Cricket
By January 2023, Rath was ready to quit altogether. After a Ranji Trophy game on a green top in Himachal Pradesh, he asked to be flown back home.
Back in Hong Kong, he considered careers in insurance, real estate, or finance. Cricket was not on his list. He told his father:
“I was never touching a bat again.”
For a player who once dreamt of professional glory, this was rock bottom.
Rath’s Crossroads
| Year | Location | Experience | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2018 | Hong Kong | Captaincy, List A century, near-win vs India | Rising star in Associate cricket |
| 2018–2019 | England/NZ | Trials with Middlesex, move to Canterbury | Visa issues, homesickness, unfinished path |
| 2019–2021 | Vidarbha | Warm welcome, strong club cricket setup | Blocked by BCCI registration dispute |
| 2021–2023 | Odisha | Domestic cricket, but toxic environment | Mental burnout, injury struggles, weight gain |
| 2023 | Hong Kong | Nearly retired, then recalled by Cricket Hong Kong | Rediscovered joy, fitness, and form |
Hong Kong Cricket Welcomes Him Back
The turning point came when Mark Farmer, Cricket Hong Kong’s High Performance Manager, offered Rath a contract in 2023 — even before he had picked up a bat again.
That unconditional support rekindled something in him. Slowly, Rath rebuilt his fitness, rediscovered his confidence, and found the joy of playing with teammates he could trust.
Today, he describes cricket not as a burden but as play again:
“Every time I walk on the field now, I’m smiling, I’m laughing. And I think that shows in my cricket too.”
Lessons in Mental Resilience
The story of Anshuman Rath is more than a sports comeback. It’s about resilience, mental health, and the role of supportive environments. His struggles echo those of international cricketers like Marcus Trescothick or Robin Uthappa, who have spoken openly about depression and rediscovering joy in the game.
Key Takeaways from Rath’s Journey
- Environment Matters: A healthy, supportive team culture can transform performance.
- Mental Health is Central: Burnout is real, even for athletes who seem to “have it all.”
- Identity Beyond Cricket: Exploring life outside cricket gave Rath perspective and a safety net.
- Rediscovery is Possible: Quitting wasn’t the end — returning on his own terms reignited passion.
What Rath’s Comeback Means for Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2025
Heading into the Asia Cup 2025, Anshuman Rath isn’t just another batter. He’s a leader who brings experience, perspective, and renewed hunger.
For a team like Hong Kong, which thrives on upsetting bigger nations, Rath’s second coming could be decisive. His ability to anchor innings, absorb pressure, and inspire younger teammates makes him central to their campaign.
Strengths Rath Brings to the Team
| Attribute | Impact on Hong Kong Cricket |
|---|---|
| Experience | Played across three cricketing cultures — brings adaptability |
| Mental Resilience | Can guide teammates through tough moments |
| Batting Composure | Ability to anchor innings under pressure |
| Leadership | Former captain with deep understanding of team dynamics |
The Future of Anshuman Rath and Hong Kong Cricket
Rath knows this chapter won’t last forever. But instead of fearing the end, he embraces each match with gratitude. His journey stands as a testament that cricket isn’t just about professional glory — it’s also about community, laughter, and resilience.
As Hong Kong step into the Asia Cup 2025, fans will watch more than a left-handed batter at the crease. They will witness a cricketer who almost walked away, only to return with renewed joy — a living story of survival and triumph.
Anshuman Rath’s Redemption Arc
From nearly quitting in Odisha to smiling freely in Hong Kong, Anshuman Rath has lived through extremes. His comeback proves that even in professional sport, joy is the fuel that sustains excellence.
For Hong Kong cricket, his rebirth is not just about runs. It is a beacon of resilience, a reminder that players are human, and that love for the game can always be rekindled.
As the Asia Cup 2025 unfolds, Rath’s story will not just inspire Hong Kong — it will resonate across the cricketing world.
