In the bustling cricket circuits of India, where every young talent dreams of IPL glory, Rajvardhan Shivaji Hangargekar (RS Hangargekar) stands out as a beacon of raw power and potential. A fiery fast bowler with a knack for explosive lower-order hitting, Hangargekar’s journey from the dusty grounds of Satara to Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) dressing room is a tale of grit, grind, and unyielding ambition. This is the story of India’s next-gen pace sensation – a boy who traded farm chores for yorkers, and is now scripting his destiny one delivery at a time.
Early Life: The Satara Speedster
Born on November 10, 2002, in Satara, Maharashtra, Hangargekar’s childhood revolved around cricket and crop cycles. His father, a sugarcane farmer, initially hesitated to support his sporting dreams. Young Rajvardhan balanced school, farm work, and relentless net sessions, often practicing with a taped tennis ball on makeshift pitches.
Key Early Struggles & Milestones:
- 2016: Walked 8 km daily to train at Satara’s lone cricket academy.
- 2018: Selected for Maharashtra U-16 after taking 7/12 in a district match.
- 2020: Caught national attention with a 123* off 49 balls in a local T20 tournament.
- 2022: Starred in India’s U-19 World Cup win, taking 5 wickets and scoring 52* in the semifinal.
Domestic Career: The Rise of a Dual Threat
Hangargekar’s domestic stats reflect his evolution from a raw pace prospect to a dependable all-rounder.
Domestic Stats (2020–2024)
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 18 | 612 | 34.00 | 82.50 | 48 | 3.12 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 14 | 287 | 28.70 | 118.60 | 22 | 4.45 |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 22 | 334 | 27.83 | 162.80 | 19 | 7.90 |
Breakthrough Moment:
- 2023 Ranji Trophy: Took 9/67 vs Mumbai, the best figures by a Maharashtra pacer since 1994.
- 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Smashed 74* off 29 balls vs Karnataka, including 8 sixes.
IPL Journey: CSK’s Diamond in the Rough
Hangargekar’s IPL career began in 2022 when CSK acquired him for ₹1.5 crore, betting on his World Cup pedigree. Initially under MS Dhoni’s mentorship, he has steadily risen through the ranks.
IPL Career Stats (2022–2024)
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 12 | 12.00 | 120.00 | 1 | 9.50 |
| 2023 | 7 | 58 | 19.33 | 148.71 | 5 | 8.80 |
| 2024 | 12 | 147 | 24.50 | 172.94 | 14 | 8.45 |
2024 IPL Highlights:
- vs MI, Wankhede: 14-ball 34* (4 sixes) and 3/28, earning Player of the Match.
- Death Bowling: Took 9 wickets in overs 17–20 at an economy of 9.10.
- Fielding: 7 catches, including a gravity-defying boundary save vs GT.
IPL 2025: The ₹5 Crore Leap
Post his 2024 breakthrough, CSK retained Hangargekar for ₹5 crore – a 233% salary hike. He’s now CSK’s third-most-expensive Indian after Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube.
IPL Salary Evolution
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | CSK | 1.5 crore |
| 2023 | CSK | 1.5 crore |
| 2025 | CSK | 5 crore |
Net Worth & Endorsements: The Prudent Prodigy
As of July 2024, RS Hangargekar’s net worth is estimated at ₹8–10 crore, fueled by cricket contracts and strategic endorsements.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary (2022–25) | ₹8 crore |
| Domestic Cricket | ₹1.2 crore |
| Endorsements | ₹2 crore |
| Investments | ₹50 lakh (Farmland in Satara) |
Brand Partnerships:
- CEAT Tyres: Featured in their “Young Thunder” campaign.
- SG Cricket: Uses their Maverick Ultimate bat series.
- Maharashtra Tourism: Ambassador for “Visit Satara” initiatives.
- Dream11: Promotes fantasy cricket leagues targeting Gen-Z.
Personal Life: Grounded in Roots
Hangargekar lives with his parents in Satara. His pre-match ritual includes eating pithla bhakri (Maharashtrian chickpea curry) and listening to Shivaji-era folk songs.
Off the Field:
- Philanthropy: Funds cricket kits for 15 Satara villages via “Hangargekar Heroes.”
- Hobbies: Plays dholki (traditional drum), collects vintage cricket magazines.
- Education: Pursuing BA in History; aims to open a rural sports academy.
In a 2024 interview, he shared: “My father still farms sugarcane. Every IPL game, I play for him.”
2024–25 Surge: The India A Breakthrough
Hangargekar’s 2024 performances sparked national buzz:
- Ranji Trophy: Scored 88* and took 6/40 vs Saurashtra, showcasing all-round prowess.
- India A: Dismantled England Lions with 4/22 and 41* off 18 balls.
- T20I Radar: Named standby for 2024 T20 World Cup; trained under Paras Mhambrey at NCA.
The Hangargekar Method: Old-School Grit, New-Age Flair
Analysts praise his hybrid skills:
- Bowling: Generates steep bounce at 140+ kph; masters the knuckleball.
- Batting: Favors leg-side dominance; hits 78% of sixes between deep mid-wicket and square leg.
- Mindset: Studies Glenn McGrath’s line-length discipline and Hardik Pandya’s finishing tactics.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming notes: “Rajvardhan’s hunger reminds me of young Bret Lee. He’s CSK’s future.”
Future Prospects: The 2027 Vision
Hangargekar’s goals are clear:
- India Debut: Targetting T20I debut in 2025.
- Test Cricket: Aims to lead India’s pace attack in SENA tours.
- Satara Legacy: Build a cricket stadium with floodlights by 2027.
Why RS Hangargekar Matters
In an era of T20 specialists, Hangargekar is cricket’s rare throwback – a genuine all-rounder blending rustic grit with modern flair. His journey from Satara’s sugarcane fields to Chepauk’s hallowed turf isn’t just inspirational; it’s a roadmap for India’s rural talents.
Final Word
RS Hangargekar’s story is a testament to perseverance. Whether he’s rattling stumps with thunderbolts, drumming folk beats, or plowing fields with his father, he embodies cricket’s soul. As IPL 2025 approaches, the boy from Satara isn’t just chasing wickets – he’s sowing seeds of legacy.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
