Robin Bist

Robin Bist started his competitive career with a century for Delhi Under-14s and played in the country's capital until 2005-06, when he switched to neighbouring Rajasthan in search of more opportunities. He began his career with Rajasthan against a Pakistan XI ahead of the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, bowling Mohammad Yousuf and scoring a sedate unbeaten 22. Bist made his first-class debut in the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy season, starting off with a patient second-innings 69 in a loss against Delhi.

A short, compact batsman armed with the right technique and mentality to serve Rajasthan cricket well, Bist is equally adept against pace and spin. Evidence of this was his 99 against Karnataka at Mysore, just his fourth match, which gave Rajasthan the advantage. By his own admission, Bist is an aggressive batsman but the signs indicate that under pressure, he can buckle down and still produce the goods. A maiden first-class century came in the 2008-09 season, in which he was Rajasthan's highest run-getter with 422 at 46.88, and he was rewarded with a place in the Central Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy despite his state side being relegated to the Plate League. Bist's upbeat attitude, both on and off the field, make him the prototype of a youthful and somewhat inexperienced Rajasthan side hoping to improve their domestic record.
Jamie Alter June 2009