British born cricketer Rishi Patel, who will play for Leicestershire County Cricket Club this season,was endowed with Cricket bat sponsorship and specialist eye care products. Twenty-three-year-old, a right-hand batsman signed for Leicestershire CCC from 2019 County Champions and 2020 Bob Willis Trophy Champions, Essex CCC, ahead of the 2021 season, following a loan at GraceRoad during the condensed 2020 season. He had a two-year contract prior to making the move to Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
The talented batsman first appeared for Essex’s first XI in 2019 against Cambridge MCCU and went on to make five further appearances, scoring a total of 146 runs with a best of 35. The youngster came to attention after equalling Darren Robinson’s Second XI record of five centuries in a season in 2019. Patel equalled the record in 10 innings compared to the 24 innings needed for Robinson, which was rewarded with a call-up for their upcoming fixture against India. He also made his List A debut in 2019, posting a best score to date, of 35, against Hampshire.
Patel became the 488th player to make a first-class appearance for the Running Foxes “MINT Securities are delighted to sponsor Rishi’s bats” said Surekha Chauhan, the Managing Director of MINT Securities, A Safe Deposit company in Leicester. “Rishi personifies professionalism with talent as well celebrating the diverse contribution made by the British Asian communities in the UK”.
Shabir Ibrahim, Manging Director of S.I. Opticals, providing essential Eye-Care to the local communities in Leicester said “It’s an immense pleasure to support Rishi with his contact lenses and eyewear. As an amateur cricketer myself, it’s an absolute pleasure to see young players from the diverse communities being represented at a professional level.” Rishi said, “ it’s a privilege to play for the Leicestershire County, and to receive a warm welcome and support from the local businesses is most humbling”.
