From India to Galway: Vishal Pathare’s Journey Through Cricket, Softball and Rounders

For many Galway City Rapparees supporters, Vishal Pathare’s rise within the club has felt remarkably quick. In only a short period of time, the Indian native has become one of the key bowlers in the squad and an important figure as the club takes its first steps into Senior Men’s Rounders.

That progress was underlined on Sunday against Carrickmacross Emmets, when Vishal bowled his first starting game as pitcher at Senior level. He produced a player-of-the-match performance and looked every bit a senior bowler, combining accuracy, calmness and control in one of the biggest games of his Rapparees career so far.

But long before Galway City Rapparees and GAA Rounders entered the picture, Vishal’s sporting journey had already travelled through volleyball courts, cricket grounds, baseball diamonds and fast-pitch softball fields in India.

“I started out playing cricket, like most kids in India, but the first sport I played seriously was volleyball. I officially began playing volleyball when I was in 7th grade, mainly because I was following in my elder brother’s footsteps.”

That theme of following his brother into sport would continue. After progressing from junior to senior volleyball at school level, Vishal later discovered baseball and fast-pitch softball during junior college.

“I went on to play both baseball and softball at state level, so those sports became a big part of my sporting journey.”

While softball and baseball shaped many of the skills that now suit rounders so naturally, Vishal also enjoyed major success in cricket after moving to Ireland. One tournament in particular still stands out.

“My proudest moment came in 2023. We were playing against a very strong team with one of the best bowling attacks in the competition, and I performed really well against them in the semi-final.”

Across the competition, Vishal scored an incredible 308 runs while hitting 39 sixes — a record tally that still stands.

Medal from 2025

Best batsman award

“That tournament really stands out for me because it was against tough opposition, and I was able to deliver when it mattered.”

Discovering Rounders in Galway

His eventual introduction to GAA Rounders came through Galway’s social softball scene, where he first met several Rapparees players.

“I first started playing social league softball in Galway, and that’s where I met Cathal, Pakie and Cat. Cat was actually the first person who came up to me and said, ‘You’ll enjoy rounders, it’s similar to fast-pitch softball.’”

From there, the transition into the Galway City Rapparees setup happened naturally.

“Once I started, I really enjoyed it. The game felt familiar in some ways, but it also had its own style and challenges, which made it exciting.”

Vishal also joked that once he started rounders, it became very hard not to get fully pulled into the club.

“At the beginning I just came along to try rounders and see what it was like, but once you start with this club it’s very hard not to get pulled in properly. The atmosphere, the people and the enjoyment of the game make it easy to keep coming back.”

And when it comes to availability, Vishal admitted there is one particular problem.

“Whenever Joe texts asking if I’m available, I find it almost impossible to say no!”

Skills That Transferred Naturally

Coming from cricket, baseball and softball, many of the technical skills transferred quickly.

“The bowling, batting and fielding felt quite natural to me because of my background in cricket, baseball and softball.”

However, not everything was straightforward.

“The biggest learning curve was understanding the rules, especially the base-lock rule. That one took a little time to get used to.”

Vishal’s pitching background in fast-pitch softball has made him a natural fit as a bowler in rounders, and he has embraced that responsibility within the Rapparees setup.

“Bowling with accuracy is what excites me the most. For me, if I can bowl well and work in good coordination with the backstop, I feel like half the game is already moving in our favour.”

That confidence was clear against Carrickmacross. In his first Senior start as bowler, Vishal delivered the kind of performance that showed why the Rapparees believe he can become a major figure at the top level of the game.

A Landmark Senior Season

The 2026 season marks a landmark year for Galway City Rapparees as the club competes at Senior Men’s level for the first time. Vishal believes the progress over the last two seasons has been extraordinary.

“We won the Junior Mixed title in 2024 and the Intermediate Men’s title in 2025, which were both big moments for the club. Now, stepping up to Senior level is very exciting because it’s the highest level of competition.”

While the Senior Men’s campaign is a huge step for the club, Vishal is also looking forward to the Intermediate Mixed Championship this year. He believes Galway City Rapparees have the quality, experience and togetherness to go all the way.

“I’m really looking forward to Intermediate Mixed this year. I feel there should definitely be an All-Ireland title there for us if we perform the way we can.”

An International Team in a Galway Jersey

One of the defining features of this Rapparees team is its diversity. The current squad includes players from Ireland, India, Italy, North America and Māori backgrounds, creating a unique sporting culture within the club.

“Everyone comes from a different background and brings their own style of play. That makes the team stronger because we can learn from each other.”

For Vishal personally, the club has also played a huge role socially since moving to Ireland.

“The club is a place where everyone is treated equally and made to feel welcome. After office hours, going to training feels like therapy for me.”

Big Memories and Bigger Ambitions

When asked about his favourite memories so far, the answer was simple.

“Winning the two titles has definitely been the highlight so far — the Junior Mixed title and the Intermediate Men’s title.”

But he hopes bigger moments are still ahead.

“Hopefully, the next favourite moment will be winning at Senior level in the future.”

Despite his rapid success in rounders, Vishal still sees room for growth both personally and collectively.

“Personally, I want to keep improving, contribute to the team, and perform well whenever I get the chance.”

And when it comes to Galway City Rapparees’ ambitions this season, he is aiming high.

“I believe this team is good enough to compete for the Senior title.”

Finally, with cricket, softball and rounders all playing huge roles in his sporting life, Vishal was asked the impossible question — which sport comes first?

His answer probably summed up his sporting journey perfectly.

“Haha, that’s a tough one! I’d have to pick all of them. I honestly can’t separate them because each sport has given me something different and special.”

Thanks to Kennys.ie & Galway Sports Partnership.

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