Raja Babu Sharma: From Adversity to Leading Mumbai Team in Indian Disabled Premier League

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

In an inspiring story of resilience and determination, Ghaziabad-based cricketer Raja Babu Sharma has been selected to lead the Mumbai team in the upcoming Indian Disabled Premier League (IDPL).

The tournament, scheduled for December, will feature six teams—Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Mumbai—marking a significant step forward for disabled cricket in India.

A Journey Marked by Courage and Passion

Raja Babu’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At the age of eight, he lost his leg in a tragic accident. However, instead of giving up, he found strength in cricket.

“Cricket is my life. It kept me going even after I lost my leg. Without it, I might have slipped into depression,” he shares.

Despite physical and financial challenges, his passion for the sport never faded.

Support That Made the Difference

Growing up in Kanpur, Raja Babu faced financial constraints, as his father, an employee with Indian Railways, struggled to support his sporting aspirations.

However, his friends and community played a crucial role in his journey.

“My friends would lend me their bats so I could practice. One of my strongest supporters has been Munendra Singh,” he recalls.

Early Setbacks, Stronger Comebacks

In 2007, Raja Babu participated in trials for the Kanpur South Premier League but was not selected due to his disability. Despite the setback, he was named the local brand ambassador of the league.

Encouragement from Dr Sanjay Kapoor helped him stay motivated and continue pursuing his dream.

Rising in Disabled Cricket

Raja Babu officially entered the world of disabled cricket in 2014, when Manthan Trust organised a tournament in Bijnor. Since then, he has played over 30 matches and represented multiple teams.

Now, leading Mumbai in the IDPL marks a major milestone in his career.

The Need for Recognition in Disabled Cricket

While celebrating his achievements, Raja Babu also highlights a critical issue:

“Disabled cricket still lacks recognition in India. With initiatives like the IDPL, I hope the sport gets the attention it deserves.”

He notes that prize money and financial support in disabled cricket remain limited, recalling that his highest earnings so far have been ₹11,000, awarded by Raju Srivastava.

Awards and Achievements

Raja Babu’s talent has earned him several accolades over the years:

• Recipient of the UP State Award (2015) by the Uttar Pradesh Government
• Awarded Best Cricketer in Gujarat (2015)
• Honoured with the Ajaat Shatru Award at the 17th Bihar Samman Samaroh

The event is organised by Samarpan in association with Bihar Disabled Sports Academy.

An accomplished batsman, his highest score to date is an impressive 127.