Ram Patel
In 2026, I took the next step in my cricket journey: joining Cricket East at regional representative level.
What Is Cricket East?
Cricket East is the regional cricket body covering the East of England. Being selected at this level means competing with and against the best young cricketers across the region — a step above county age-group cricket and a step closer to the professional pathway.
How I Got Here
The selection didn't come overnight. It was built on:
- 315 career matches across county, club, and representative cricket
- 6,700+ runs with 5 centuries and a career average that climbed to 43.17 in 2025
- 115+ wickets with right-arm off-spin, proving my value as a genuine all-rounder
- Overstone Park Player of the Year 2025 — recognised as the best player at my club at 16
- Two winter camps at Omtex ICWC, India — investing in my development outside the English season
- Representing Australian Joeys at the ISCL in Lucknow — international exposure against teams from 5 countries
What Changes
Regional cricket is a different intensity. The players are faster, more skilled, and more competitive. Training sessions are more structured, with video analysis, specific drills, and access to better facilities and coaching. It's the environment where good club cricketers become something more.
The 2026 Ambitions
This season I want to:
- Establish myself as a first-choice batter at Cricket East level
- Push for 2,000+ runs across all formats again
- Continue developing my off-spin into a frontline bowling option
- Build on the fitness and technical work from the Omtex ICWC winter camp
- Score runs against the best young bowlers in the region and beyond
From Northants U10 in 2018 to Cricket East in 2026 — eight years of work, eight years of growth. The journey is far from over, but each step feels like it's heading in the right direction.