Asfak Chotiyara, popularly known as “Rabada” and Gir Ka Dada in local cricket circles, is a rising tennis ball cricketer from Talala, Somnath. With explosive batting, sharp cutters, and fearless finishing skills, he has built his name through match-winning performances across Gujarat and international tournaments.
“I don’t just want to play cricket. Mujhe har situation se match jeetna hai.”
From small-town grounds to big tennis ball stages, his journey reflects risk, belief, and consistency.
Asfak Chotiyara early life
Born: 29 March 2002
Birthplace: Talala, Somnath
Father’s Profession: Auto-rickshaw driver
Asfak started playing cricket at the age of 12. What began as a hobby slowly became his life goal.
“12 saal ki age se cricket khel raha tha aur tab se hi shauk tha. School level par state tennis ball cricket khela hai.”
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He also played leather ball cricket for two years. However, not getting a District Team opportunity changed his direction.
“District team me mauka nahi mila, isliye maine tennis cricket par full focus kar diya.”
That decision shaped his career.
Education and tough choices
He studied at Nav Jivan High School, Talala.
During his 10th standard, he received a big tournament opportunity through Bhavesh Kher Sir. The tournament dates clashed with his board exams. He chose cricket and missed two papers, which meant he failed his first attempt.
Later, he cleared the exam in his second attempt.
“10th ke time mujhe ek bada tournament khelne ka mauka mila tha, jo Bhavesh Kher Sir ne diya tha. Tournament aur exam same time par the. Maine do paper miss kiye aur is wajah se first attempt me clear nahi kar paya. Baad me second try me exam pass kiya. And further study bhi Cricket ki wajah se mene complete nahi ki.”
It was a difficult phase, but he stood firm.
Early coaches who shaped him
Bhavesh Kher gave him his first chance to play outside his village.
Munir Khan (Uncle) guided him technically and inspired him continuously.
At 18, he delivered a match-winning performance in a final against Bhavesh Kher’s strong team.
“18 saal ki age me maine Bhavesh bhai ki team ke against final me best performance dia tha. Unki best team ke against apni team ko match jitaya tha. Tab mujhe confidence aaya ki main bada player ban sakta hoon.”
That performance boosted his belief.
Kedarlal Cup, Jamnagar (2022 Quarterfinal)
In the Kedarlal Cup 2022 quarterfinal in Jamnagar, his team needed 50 runs from 18 balls.
He smashed 40 runs off 15 balls, including five sixes and one four.
“Last ball par 2 run chahiye the, maine six maar kar match jita diya. Is tournament ke bad muje fan following mili and log muje jan ne lage ”
That inning gave him instant recognition.
View Kedarlal Cup Match
Around the same time, he also won his first Best Bowler award in his first tournament outside his village.
Late Gangabhai Day Cricket Tournament, Kalej (2022)
In the Late Gangabhai Day Cricket Tournament 2022 held at Kalej, Asfak delivered strong performances alongside top Gujarat players.
He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
View Late Gangabhai Day Cricket Tournament
Major breakthrough: LK Star Dhamka Big Bash Rajkot (2023)
The LK Cup Rajkot 2023 was an All-India level tournament featuring India’s top players.
In the semifinal, he gave just 5 runs and picked 3 wickets & grabbed man of the match award.
“Semifinal me tight bowling ki thi. Hitendra jadeja ,Pradip Patil, prathmesh thakre ki wickets li and other top player ke against perform kiya”
He finished as one of the standout performers and won the Man of the Series award.
Big tournaments played
Asfak has represented teams in:
- 10PL (Surat–Dubai based tournament)
- Africa Tour
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Dubai
- Supremo Cup
Speaking about Supremo Cup:
“Supremo Cup me 4 saal se champion team thi. League match me maine one-side batting karke unhe samne hamari LK Star team ko win karvaya tha.”
Gujarat Tennis Cricket League 2026
In the Gujarat Tennis Cricket League (GTCL) Season 2, his team was struggling at 24 for 4.
He smashed four quick sixes and lifted the total to a defendable score. He also took one important wicket.
View Gujarat Tennis Cricket League Match
Global India T10 Tennis Ball Cricket Championship – Darshan Cup 2023
In this tournament, he produced his career best bowling spell.
Against top players like Sikandar Bhatti and Aslam Mutwa, he took 7 wickets for just 7 runs (7/7), completely turning the match in his team’s favor.
This remains his best bowling figure so far.
View: Gobal India T10 Tennis Ball Cricket Championship
Playing style
- Aggressive middle-order batter
- Finisher under pressure
- Specialist in both-side cutter balls
- Loves playing the helicopter shot
“Virat Kohli mujhe inspire karte hain. Bowling me Rabada favourite hai. Cutter ball meri special delivery hai.”
How he got the name “Rabada”
Inspired by Kagiso Rabada’s intensity, Asfak adopted a similar aggressive bowling approach in local matches.
“Starting se hi mujhe Rabada ki bowling bahut pasand thi. Main unko dekh ke waise hi intensity ke saath bowl karta tha. Tabhi log mujhe ‘Rabada’ bulane lage.”
Gradually, the name became his identity.
Struggles and comeback
While playing in Dubai, he suffered muscle cramps immediately after landing.
“Flight se utarne ke baad cramps aa gaye the. Dard me bhi bowling ki aur 1 over me 2 run dekar 3-4 wicket liye.”
In 2024 (March to May), he was out for two months due to an elbow injury.
“Elbow injury ki wajah se 2 mahine cricket chhodna pada, lekin comeback strong kiya.”
ISPL dream
One of his biggest dreams is to play in ISPL. He believes performing on that platform can open bigger opportunities.
Recent rules affecting players like Hitendra Jadeja have made him cautious. Still, the dream remains alive.
Personal life
Initially, his parents wanted him to focus only on studies.
“Shuru mein papa-mummy kehte the cricket chhodo aur padhai par dhyan do. Phir maine insist kiya ki mujhe sports me interest hai. DLSS Hostel sports quota join kiya. Wahan se support milna shuru ho gaya.”
After that, his family fully supported him.
Apart from cricket:
- Gujarat level 2nd rank in 800m
- Loves athletics
- Enjoys dancing
- Fun-loving personality
Career stats on CricHeroes
You can check his verified match record here:
👉 Asfak Chotiyara CricHeroes Profile
Batting stats
- Matches: 945
- Runs: 10,225
- Strike Rate: 200.25
- 50s: 33
- 6s: 1008
- 4s: 591
- High Score: 101
Bowling stats
- Matches: 945
- Wickets: 1057
- 3-Wicket Hauls: 112
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 9
- Economy: 7.58
- Maiden Overs: 45
- Best Bowling: 7/7
Unknown facts
- Huge fan of Virat Kohli
- Named “Rabada” because of bowling intensity
- Specialist in cutter balls
- Loves helicopter shots
- Gujarat-level 800m runner
- Known for last-over finishes
Testimonial from Asfak
“CricHeroes ki wajah se mujhe zyada matches khelne ka mauka mila. Log mera profile dekhkar mujhe bahar tournaments me bulane lage. Gujarat aur all over India me mujhe pehchan mili. Main CricHeroes ka dil se thankful hoon.”
FAQs
Who is Asfak Chotiyara?
A tennis ball cricketer from Talala, Somnath, known as “Rabada” for aggressive bowling and finishing skills.
What is Asfak Chotiyara’s age?
He was born on 29 March 2002.
What is his playing role?
Power-hitting middle-order batter and impact bowler.
What was his breakthrough match?
52 off 18 balls in Kedarlal Cup 2022, winning with a last-ball six.
What makes him special?
His ability to perform under pressure and bowl effective cutter balls.
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