SMAT 2025-26: Six-footer Atal Bihari Rai channels Bumrah in versatile show for Railways

Tall fast bowlers are a prized commodity in Indian cricket, and their emergence on the domestic circuit invariably causes a stir. At 6 feet 3 inches, it is hard not to notice Atal Bihari Rai towering over his Railways teammates when they congregate around him to celebrate a wicket during their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Kerala at the nondescript Ekana Cricket Stadium B in Lucknow. 

It is an environment Rai is still getting used to. It is only his second professional match for India’s second-biggest employer, which the Prayagraj-born pacer joined after getting limited opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. 

Since his domestic debut in 2022-23, he could represent UP in only four First-Class games and a solitary one-dayer due to a glut of talent in the northern State. 

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“In 2013-14, I made my debut for UP at the Under-16 level. I didn’t play much at the Under-19 level because of injury, and then played for UP in the Ranji Trophy at 23. But because there is an overload of talent in UP, I didn’t get too many chances. Despite being in the team for four consecutive years, if you are not getting chances and just sitting on the bench, how will you be able to prove yourself?” Rai told Sportstar after picking three for 23 in four overs against Kerala, a spell that put the skids on the Sanju Samson-led side in a modest chase of just 150. 

Rai didn’t allow openers Samson and Rohan Kunnummal’s alliance to blossom in the PowerPlay and then returned to nab three wickets at the death, showcasing his versatility in consistently hitting the hard lengths and spearing in the occasional yorker. 

“If you pitch the ball consistently on a good length, scoring runs becomes difficult because of the long square boundaries [at Ekana Cricket Stadium B]. The length ball was also bouncing well,” Rai explained, while acknowledging his physiological edge with a chuckle. “I get an advantage on all pitches because of my height.” 

Despite his imposing frame, Rai is a gentle giant and admits he was nervous when he made his T20 debut against a star-studded Mumbai team on Wednesday. 

“I won’t lie, but I was very nervous, because [Ajinkya] Rahane was facing my first ball. But I also thought that because Mumbai is such a big team, if I perform well against them, I will get noticed,” Rai said. Though he was wicketless in that game, his parsimonious spell [0/23 in three overs] was the most economical for a Railways bowler on a day when the Mumbai batters went on a rampage. 

His State of birth may not have given him adequate chances on the domestic circuit, but the UP T20 League was pivotal for Rai. 

“I have been playing in the UP T20 League for three years. I was the highest wicket-taker in the first season [2023]; I had picked 25 wickets. The second season was average [five wickets in 10 matches], but in the third season, I again had 20 wickets. I have a good idea of the wickets here [in Lucknow] also,” the 26-year-old said. 

It is still early days for Rai, but he believes he has the repertoire to succeed at the higher level. 

“I don’t want to do anything different. I want to improve on the things I have done so far. I think my pace is sufficient. If you are bowling 135-136 kmph, and if you are moving the ball at that pace, I don’t think you need to try anything else.” 

For now, he is content with his ability to bowl outswingers in the PowerPlay and effectively take the pace off the ball in the late overs. 

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These are traits in high demand in the rapidly evolving T20 landscape, and those who matter are beginning to take notice. “I have been attending IPL trials for two years. But the scouts also keep saying that it is important to play domestic cricket, which I wasn’t getting to do in UP. This year, I am getting opportunities and also performing,” Rai said. 

His role models have changed with the tides of time, and amongst the current crop of quicks, he idolises Jasprit Bumrah. 

“In this generation, Jasprit Bumrah. Before that, [James] Anderson, Dale Steyn. Before that, Sreesanth. I really liked his bowling, and I would also try to copy him. For now, Jasprit Bumrah, without doubt.” 

Published on Nov 29, 2025