Hong Kong batter Anshuman Rath has revealed an interesting anecdote involving a social media challenge from Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh. The story also sheds light on Rath’s challenging journey through domestic cricket in India before his return to his home team.
Hong Kong’s Anshuman Rath reveals the story behind Harbhajan Singh owing him money
Anshuman recently shared a story about a tweet from Harbhajan regarding former Indian all-rounder Kedar Jadhav. Due to Jadhav’s unique bowling action, where his arm would come almost parallel to the ground, Harbhajan had publicly offered a reward. His tweet stated that he would give 100 Rupees to anyone who could hit Jadhav for a six on the backfoot. Rath, upon seeing the tweet, immediately realized he had already achieved this feat in a 2022 Asia Cup match. He had hit a six off Jadhav’s bowling from the backfoot and tweeted back at Harbhajan with video evidence of the shot. While he has fulfilled the conditions of the challenge, Rath expressed that he is yet to receive his payment.
Bhajju Pa, Anshuman Rath is still chasing you for that 100 bucks 👀 💸
Watch #BANvHKC LIVE NOW, only on the Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/AiyGpMDqy5
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 11, 2025
@harbhajan_singh I believe u owe me 100 rupees 😂😂😂 @iramizraja @KP24 witnesses 🏏🏏🏏 #cricketisthewinner https://t.co/YG9vYGjOFP pic.twitter.com/apX9NcNTsS
— Anshuman Rath (@anshyrath) May 17, 2019
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A roller-coaster career in Indian domestic cricket
Before his return to Hong Kong, Rath had a turbulent time trying to make a career in Indian domestic cricket. He initially played for Odisha, but a series of bad experiences made him feel that the game was a burden. Seeking a new start, he moved to Vidarbha, where he was welcomed and played alongside established players like Jitesh Sharma. However, his progress was derailed by administrative roadblocks, specifically a registration issue with the BCCI which prevented him from being selected for the team. After this challenging journey that took him across three different continents, his return to captain Hong Kong felt like a homecoming.
Rath has grown to become one of the most reliable batters for the Hong Kong cricket team. In his career, he has played 70 T20I matches, in which he has scored 1,828 runs at an average of almost 30. His consistency is reflected in his record of nine fifties and a solitary century in the shortest format of the game. His contributions with the bat will be crucial for Hong Kong’s performance in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, where he hopes to build on his established career.
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