In India, cricket usually comes with one expectation. If you are serious, you must aim for the biggest stage. If you are talented, you must chase professional cricket. If you are passionate, you must dream of the India jersey.
Sarthak Mohapatra never saw it that way. For him, cricket was never about proving something to the world. It was about playing as much as he could and enjoying every moment.
Today, Sarthak is the leading tennis ball run scorer on CricHeroes with 3,000 matches, 75,817 runs, and 88 centuries. He is also the Batter of the Year (Tennis) winner at the CricHeroes Awards 2025.
But what makes his story memorable is not just the runs. It is the thinking behind them.
Backing His Own Game
Sarthak started with gully cricket like most Indian kids. As he began playing tournaments, people noticed his batting stance. It was different. Not textbook. Not conventional.
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“Mera batting stance thoda alag tha, uske liye bohot sunna bhi pada.”
He heard the comments and suggestions to change it. He chose not to.
“Tennis ball cricket ki khaas baat yeh hai ki uski koi set rule book nahi hai. You can play the game anyway you want and express yourself.”
That freedom became his strength. What many saw as a weakness became his identity.
Challenging the Perception Around Tennis Ball Cricket
Tennis ball cricket often carries a tag of being easy or just timepass. Sarthak has heard that many times.
“I think a lot of people say tennis ball cricket se naam nahi banta. Tennis ball cricket ne mujhe bohot badi pehchan di hai.”
He explains that tennis ball cricket is far from simple. Different pitches, wet grounds, soft and hard tennis balls, and constant adjustments make it demanding.
“If you believe tennis ball cricket is easy, you’re delusional.”
The pressure and competition, according to him, are just as intense. Only the format changes.
Discipline Disguised as Joy
Sarthak plays almost every weekend, often from morning to evening. Teammates joke that he is superhuman because he keeps going without slowing down.
“For me, agar main weekend mein four matches nahi khelta, I am not satisfied.”
He keeps small goals for himself. If he scores 200 runs one weekend, he wants 300 the next. Missing chances bothers him, and he tries to improve every time he plays.
In the last two years, apart from two family vacations, he has not missed a single week of cricket. That consistency comes from choice.
His wife sums it up simply. He is crazy about cricket, she says, but in a way that brings happiness to everyone around him.
More Than Numbers
CricHeroes gave structure to his journey as organized tennis ball tournaments gained visibility.
“It has made me meet so many people and make so many memories.”
Teammates speak highly of his personality too.
“He is fearlessly competitive but it does not show in his body language. He is always smiling,” says Mohammed Iftikar.
Another teammate adds:
“He is one of the most humble players I have played with.”
Fierce inside. Calm outside.
What Makes Sarthak a Changemaker
Sarthak changed how many players look at tennis ball cricket. Instead of treating it as a backup option, he treated it as a format worth discipline and pride.
He also reminds everyone of a simple truth.
“Sometimes the love for the game is enough.”
With 3,000 matches and over 75,000 runs, Sarthak Mohapatra has built his own identity through consistency and belief.
And when people call tennis ball cricket timepass, his reply is simple.
“Unke liye hoga. For people like me, it’s a way of life.”
Watch Sarthak Mohapatra’s journey in action.
FAQs
Who is Sarthak Mohapatra?
Sarthak Mohapatra is one of the most successful tennis ball cricketers in India and currently the leading run scorer on CricHeroes with more than 75,000 runs in tennis ball cricket.
How many matches has Sarthak Mohapatra played?
He has played over 3,000 tennis ball matches recorded on CricHeroes.
What award did Sarthak Mohapatra win in 2025?
He won the Batter of the Year (Tennis) award at the CricHeroes Awards 2025.
Is tennis ball cricket easier than leather ball cricket?
Not really. Tennis ball cricket requires different skills due to variations in bounce, pitches, and playing conditions. Many players find it equally challenging.
How can players record tennis ball cricket matches?
Players can record matches, track statistics, and join tournaments through platforms like CricHeroes.
Can tennis ball cricket players build a career?
While it differs from professional leather ball cricket, many players build strong recognition, tournament careers, and social media presence through tennis ball cricket.
I am Manan Joshi , SEO All-Rounder at CricHeroes.
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