Cricket in Newfoundland and Labrador has come a long way, and at the heart of its journey is a name that has been there since day one — Rakesh Negi. From helping lay the first bricks of the Cricket NL association to delivering match-winning performances on the field, Negi’s contribution has been nothing short of foundational. His story is not just about stats but about dedication, evolution, and passion for the game.
As a right-handed top-order batter, Rakesh has consistently delivered in the T20 format. He has scored more than 2,500 runs at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of 130. These numbers are impressive on their own, but they don’t capture the full picture. Much of his early cricket came before official stats were recorded, and if those were included, he’d be top of all-time greats of the province.
He has two centuries and six fifties to his name, with the most memorable knock coming in the 2022 T20 League Qualifier 1 against NL Tigers. His hundred in that high-stakes game is still talked about as one of the best innings ever played in Newfoundland cricket.
While his batting often grabs the spotlight, Rakesh’s off-spin bowling has quietly been a game changer. As a right-arm off-break bowler, he has taken 120 wickets across formats. When it comes to spinners in the province, he may very well be the most successful off-break bowler the league has seen.
One of his standout performances came while representing the provincial squad against Quebec, where he took four wickets. Among them was the prized dismissal of Canadian international Shreyas Moova — a reminder of the level at which he can compete when the stakes are high.
Rakesh is not just a batter and bowler. He’s also a brilliant fielder. With more than 50 dismissals in the field, his agility, stamina, and anticipation have saved countless runs and created crucial breakthroughs. For a non-wicketkeeper, those numbers speak volumes about his value to any team he plays for.
In 2022, under Rakesh’s captaincy, Newfoundland Super Kings lifted the T20 League trophy for the first time since the new format was introduced. His leadership was calm, calculated, and built around team unity. He brought out the best in his players and showed that he could lead from both the front and behind the scenes. N.S.K has also won the summer league t20, under older rules, in 2019.
Rakesh’s cricket journey can’t be measured by stats alone. He has been involved in Cricket NL from the very beginning, not just as a player but as a builder, mentor, and leader. The game in Newfoundland has changed a lot over the years, but one thing that has remained constant is Rakesh Negi. If anything, he’s only become fitter, smarter, and more impactful with time.
For all he has done on and off the field, Rakesh Negi stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of cricket in Newfoundland and Labrador. His legacy is already written — not just in numbers, but in memories, mentorship, and moments that shaped the sport in the province.