Yashaswi Rishav

Yashaswi Rishav is a promising batting talent who has recently made the move to represent Saurashtra for the 2025/26 domestic season.

He began his first-class journey with Bihar during the 2019/20 Ranji Trophy, making an instant impression with a superb second-innings century (150) on debut against Meghalaya. He followed up with a half-century (67) on List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, before notching up another first-class hundred (112*) in the 2021/22 season.

Despite averaging 48, 85, and 33.50 across his three Ranji seasons (2019/20, 2021/22, 2022/23), opportunities at Bihar were limited, with a knee injury further hampering his progress. Now fully fit, Rishav is eyeing a fresh chapter with his new side, Saurashtra, where he hopes to cement his place in the playing XI this summer.

Looking ahead, and assuming he adds four more first-class matches to meet the eligibility criteria for an International Sportsperson Visa, Rishav is keen to return to the UK for a second stint in 2026. His first UK experience came in 2022, with a mid-season spell at Astley and Tyldesley in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

While widely recognised for his batting prowess, Rishav is also a capable all-rounder. Originally a leg-spinner, he continues to bowl regularly in club cricket and has turned his arm over at the professional level for Bihar. In addition to his playing credentials, he also holds a UKCC Level 2 coaching qualification—making him a strong dual asset for any UK club.

Note: Rishav needs to play 4 more first-class matches to be eligible for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) and visa to play league cricket in the UK in 2026.