Devraj Patil- Former Royal Challengers Bangalore and Karnataka Ranji player interview on CricKarnataka Exclusive.

 

Devraj Patil with the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the first season of the IPL.

Devraj Patil, a first class cricketer who has represented the Karnataka Ranji team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first 3 seasons of the Indian Premier League. 

A right handed aggressive wicket keeper batsmen, once part of prestigious teams like RCB, and KPL's Bijapur Bulls and Bellary Tuskers, had a chat with CricKarnataka where he shared some of his memories from his playing days. 

When was the first time you played cricket ? 

I started cricket playing tennis ball cricket in my hometown Shivamogga and I was very interested in cricket, so when I was in my 9th standard, I decided to move to Bangalore so that I can pursue my cricketing career. I stayed at my Uncle's place in Bangalore and started cricket coaching here and that's how the journey started. 

How was your parent's reaction when you told that you wanted to pursue your career in Cricket ? 

In the beginning, my parents weren't too happy with me taking cricket this seriously and they opposed me for it. But I had decided that I had to shift to Bangalore to achieve my cricketing goal so later on they supported me and I believe that, I did convince them after having some good performances.

Walk us through your carrer, your journey from school to the Karnataka Ranji team.

I started playing school cricket in Bangalore and I had pretty good batting skills and I was part of the India under 15 world cup camp back then. Later I went on to represent karnataka state at different age groups, one being the under 19s. Looking at my good performances, I was picked to play for the senior Karnataka team. I was part of the team from 2004, but only got to debut a year later. From then on, I was part of the team till 2010, although I couldn't get many matches to play.

Devraj Patil during his playing days for Karnataka Ranji team.

How did the IPL contract come in, how did that happen and what changes did it bring ?

Although I played only 2 Ranji games, I was a good player in the limited over fixtures like the Ranji one dayers and the domestic T20s, I played a good 25 one dayers for Karnataka team and before the IPL's first  season, I was the highest run getter in the T20 tournament and I think that earned me a contract with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. I signed for 3 years with them but only got a chance in two matches in the first Season. The next two seasons I didn't get any games. However the IPL was great experience, as I got to learn a lot from that tournament. 

Tell us about your cricket stint in England and the Karnataka Premier League.

Well, in 2012, I got an offer from England to play in the Yorkshire league. I played for the Bowling Old Lane for 4 seasons from 2012, 2013 2014 and 2015. In between the league I was also playing in the Karnataka Premier League. In the first two seasons, I played for the Bijapur Bulls franchise and later I went to represent the Bellary Tuskers for the next three seasons.

Now, you have stopped playing cricket, what do you do now? 

I stopped playing professional cricket, a few years back. I'm employed with the Central Excise and Customs department and I'm only playing for that team. 

Do you ever regret quitting cricket at such young age ? 

Talking about quitting cricket at such young age! I seriously do not regret anything, infact I'm happy for what I have got in life, I don't think many people get the things that I got in my life. I was very fortunate to have achieved this much and go to such heights and I'm happy with where I am today. 

Anything that you want to speak about CricKarnataka and its initiatives.
Its a good initiative and its a very good platform for the people to know about our own players who are currently playing as well as the former players from karnataka. You have been doing a good job. Good luck for what you are doing and many more to come in the future. Keep going all the best. 

Thank you Devraj Patil for the valuable time you spent with us. 

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