Rahul Tripathi's calling card will likely have an eclectic assortment of details: math nut, son of an army man and the distinction of having hit six sixes in an over on two occasions in local cricket. That Tripathi fell in love with the game at an early age might have something to do with his father's cricketing background - Tripathi senior had turned out for Uttar Pradesh at the junior level and had also played university cricket. When the army transferred him to Pune, he promptly ensured that his son got formal cricket training. Tripathi soon began to play for Deccan Gymkhana, one of the oldest clubs in Pune.

Known for being a technically correct batsman, Tripathi's transition to first-class cricket in 2012 wasn't smooth, though, and he remained a journeyman for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. However, despite a poor run in the Ranji Trophy where he made 185 runs in 11 innings, 2016-17 turned out to be a breakthrough season in his career.

While he didn't even figure in the Maharashtra side for the Inter-State T20 tournament - the unofficial audition for hopefuls ahead of the IPL auction - he was picked up by Rising Pune Supergiant for INR 10 lakh. A month later, Tripathi went on to validate his inclusion by smashing 157 runs in three innings in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, including a 74-ball 95 against Bengal in the quarter-finals. When the IPL rolled around, he was at it again: promoted to open by Pune, he struck seven thirty-plus scores in eight innings, including 93 off 52 against Kolkata Knight Riders - of which 78 runs came through boundaries.
ESPNcricinfo staff