Niru Tripathi
Raj Kumar Gurung, a resident of Geelong and the owner/director of Mustaang Cricket Bat Repairs, is making waves in the cricketing world as the first Nepali cricket bat repairer and maker in Australia.
Arriving in Sydney in 2008 with a student visa and a deep passion for cricket, Gurung has transformed his love for the sport into a remarkable business venture. Starting from humble beginnings, repairing bats on his dining table, he has now become the first Nepali cricket bat repairer and maker in Australia. Gurung’s journey is a witness to his firm determination, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Speaking with the CALD Voices, Gurung reflected, “Every success story begins with a single step, and for me, that step was taken at my kitchen’s dining table.”
When Gurung arrived in Sydney in 2008, he faced a daunting situation as no one was there to pick him up. Despite the initial challenges and being unfamiliar with the place, Gurung’s dream of studying, playing cricket, and exploring the renowned cricket stadiums motivated him to pursue his journey to Australia. Unlike most immigrants who come for work or studies, Gurung’s primary goal was to play cricket, showcasing his unwavering passion for the sport.
Gurung quickly immersed himself in various sports clubs in Sydney, actively participating in cricket. His penchant for repairing cricket bats grew, and he honed his skills at home. Upon relocating to Melbourne, Geelong, Gurung realized the opportunity to establish his own company for repairing and manufacturing cricket bats. Starting from his garage, he embarked on a mission to create a name for himself in the industry. Gurung proudly states, “In the Nepali community of Australia, I believe I hold the honor of being the pioneering cricket bat repairer and maker. While I am uncertain about the entire Oceania region, I am delighted to contribute to our community’s passion for the sport.”
Word spread quickly about Gurung’s craftsmanship, attracting local and national cricket players seeking bat repairs. The demand for his services skyrocketed, and even international players like a UAE cricketer who came last year 2022 to play T20 world cup in the Geelong approached him for bat repairs, marking a gratifying moment for Gurung. Remarkably, he has relied mostly on word-of-mouth marketing, as his reputation and expertise attract customers from far and wide.
When asked about his plans for expanding the business, Gurung expressed his contemplation of broader ventures. He sources Cleft from Uk and Handle from India and performs all the bat-making work in his garage. As his clientele continues to grow, Gurung aspires to explore opportunities to expand his business further and cater to a wider market.
Gurung acknowledges his wife’s initial concerns and suggestions to establish a proper business or find stable employment rather than dedicating all his time to bat making in the dinning table. Her support and probing questions served as a catalyst, motivating Gurung to transform his passion into a profitable venture. Today, Gurung’s laughter resonates as he reflects on how his wife’s irritation inadvertently played a pivotal role in kickstarting his successful business.
Gurung acknowledges that every cricketer has their own unique preferences when it comes to their cricket equipment. Whether it’s repairing existing bats or crafting new ones, Gurung ensures that he caters to the individual needs of his clients. From catering to different age groups to considering the specific requirements of female cricketers, Gurung’s commitment to learning and evolving is evident. ”My ultimate goal is to satisfy his clients and provide them with top-quality cricket bats”, he said.
Keep on writing, great job!