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Playing Role: Bowling all rounder |
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Batting Style: Block or bash |
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Bowling Style: Clever wicket to wicket seamers |
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Superstars Debut: 2011 |
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Official Roles: None |
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Career stats, as at the end of the 2011 Season |
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Caps |
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I |
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NO |
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Runs |
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Avge |
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50s |
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100s |
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HS |
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Ct |
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St |
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7 |
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6 |
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2 |
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28 |
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7.00 |
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- |
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- |
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13 |
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- |
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- |
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O |
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M |
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R |
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W |
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Avge |
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Econ |
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S.R. |
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5wI |
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24 |
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- |
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142 |
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11 |
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12.91 |
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5.92 |
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13.09 |
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- |
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If Raj's name was Rax then his name would be an anagram of 'Taxi Driver', and this has proven highly appropriate in his early Superstars career. |
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Right from the start of his debut season in 2011, it was clear that Raj had 'the knowledge', as is so vital for anyone wishing to drive taxis. With the bat
in hand he was able to contribute useful runs (insert 'drive' joke), but with the ball was where he was really able to 'steer' the team to glory. Against allcomers, he showed he could find the best route
to wickets, and these exploits resulted in Raj appearing in the bowling analysis at the end of his first season in 3rd place (which for cab drivers is probably near enough to 1st). |
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Further links appear by considering the famous Martin Scorcese film, 'Taxi Driver'. The film announced itself to the world in 1976, gaining critical acclaim
and winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. In many ways 2011 was a similar year for Raj, with an impressive 11 wickets at an average of under 13 in his debut season. As a result, Raj was also
the recipient of a prestigious honour, claiming the 2011 'Newcomer of the Year' award at the Superstars end of season ceremony. The film was considered "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant by the US
Library of Congress and was selected to be preserved in the National Film Registry in 1994. It is easy to imagine a situation in the coming years where the same words are used to describe Raj when he is
inducted into the Superstars Hall of Fame. |
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The most startling similarities, however, appear in comparing Raj with the star of the film, Travis Bickle, famously portrayed by Robert De Niro. Since he
appeared on the scene, others have tried to emulate the actions of Bickle, most famously forming part of the delusional fantasy of John Hinckley, Jr. which triggered his attempted assassination of President
Ronald Reagan in 1981. In the same way, every new Superstars player will now be obsessively trying to recreate Raj's actions and mannerisms on and off the field in order to mirror his successes in their
early careers. Many, like Hinckley, will ultimately fail. |
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Raj is a tough competitor and can often be found arguing with the mirror in the changing rooms before games, practicing a menacing, tough guy swagger -
"You talkin' to me?"- to use on anyone who dares cross him on the cricket field with bat or ball. And then of course, there's that Mohawk... (OK, so the concept is beginning to fray a bit here). It is
these similarities which could perhaps define Raj's legacy with Superstars. In years to come, when the current squad are all retired and showing the (highly censored) Superstars photo album to their
grandchildren and they are asked, 'Who's that?' the reply will invariably come... "That's Raj Trivedi, so tough they named him Rax". |
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As a newcomer in 2011 Raj/Rax is yet to join any of the illustious clubs however his 11 wickets certainly is good progress to bowling legend status. We
hope he will become as legendary as Robert De Niro, but in the more glamorous field of Superstars. |
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