Congratulations to Saqlain Choudhary (M 12-17), who has been named captain of the men’s cricket team at the University of Oxford.

Currently completing a DPhil in Physics at Oxford, Saqlain first learnt to play cricket during his time at Rugby School as an Arnold Foundation student. Driven by a desire to challenge himself and make the most of every opportunity available to him, he developed a passion not only for cricket, but also for physics, two pursuits that continue to shape his life today.

Ahead of the summer season, Saqlain caught up with us to reflect on his time at Rugby, the teachers and experiences that influenced him most as well as his ambitions as the new captain of Oxford University Cricket Club.

How would you describe your time at the School, and what stands out most when you look back?

Looking back at my time at school, I do so incredibly fondly. My time at Rugby introduced me to many of the things I now love in life - particularly sport and especially cricket, though I also played rugby and football. Without that environment, I suspect I might have pursued something purely for financial reasons. Instead, I discovered a genuine passion for physics, which I went on to study and still love today.

Were there any particular teachers, subjects, or experiences that had a lasting influence on you?

In many ways, I had stronger relationships with my teachers than with my peers. While others were attending socials, I might have been spending a Saturday evening playing cricket Top Trumps with my housemaster, Mr Day, who was - and still is - a cricket fanatic. Any interest I had in the game was deeply nurtured by his enthusiasm and his belief in me. He never let me give up, even when I struggled, having only taken up the sport when I arrived at the school.

Another important figure was my personal tutor, Mr Bevan, who sadly passed away during my Lower Sixth year. Looking back at his reports, there’s something almost prophetic about what he wrote - particularly about my relationship with cricket. He once noted that my mood was closely tied to my performances: success brought “sunshine and rainbows,” while failure led to a kind of malaise that only a good innings could dispel. That insight has stayed with me.

There are many standout experiences, too many to list, but a few remain particularly special playing at Lord’s in my final year, and earning colours in all three sports I played.

You joined the School on as an Arnold Foundation students, what did that opportunity mean to you?

As an Arnold Foundation student, the opportunity meant an immense amount to me. My father is a taxi driver, and we didn’t come from a wealthy background, but there was always a strong belief in the value of education, especially from my mother. I never quite felt I fit in at state school, I wanted to learn more, to push further, but we didn’t have the means. This opportunity changed my life. It wasn’t something I achieved alone; it was a combination of luck, circumstance and the support of others, but it made all the difference.

What led you to study at University of Oxford, and how did you choose your subject?

My path to Oxford wasn’t entirely straightforward. After studying at Imperial College, I initially thought I wanted to go into banking. However, at 22, I had something of an existential crisis and decided I wanted to pursue something more meaningful. My love for physics really began during my A-levels, when I gave a presentation on special relativity and realised it was the only subject I felt genuinely passionate about. Later, through a chance encounter with Professor Richard Friend, a Rugbeian, I was encouraged to explore renewable energy research. That ultimately led me to Oxford, where I now research photovoltaics.

How did you find the transition from school to university life?

The transition from school to university was, in some ways, challenging. University lacked the structure and breadth of activity that school provided, particularly at Imperial, which felt quite one-dimensional. Oxford, however, felt much more familiar - like a larger, more dynamic version of school, with its collegiate system and strong sporting culture.

What inspired you to pursue a PhD, and what are you currently researching?

Alongside my academic work, I am now researching solar energy and also lecturing at the university. I have recently submitted my DPhil thesis.

How did your involvement in cricket begin, and how did it develop during your time at School?

My involvement in cricket began almost accidentally. Before arriving at Rugby, I had never properly played and taught myself the basics through YouTube videos and informal games with my younger brother. When I arrived, I was completely out of my depth and started in the U14Bs. I found it incredibly difficult and even tried to quit, but my teachers - Mr Roberts and later Mr Powell - refused to let me give up. Their belief and investment in me were instrumental in my development, both as a cricketer and as a person.

How have you balanced the demands of high-level sport alongside your academic commitments?

Balancing high-level sport with academics has always been demanding. In truth, it often comes at the expense of a conventional personal life. However, the discipline instilled in me at school through early morning runs, strength and conditioning and the encouragement of teachers has stayed with me. I’ve learned to embrace challenges, and I now find a similar sense of satisfaction in both academic and sporting achievements. Each complements the other: one engages the mind, while the other offers a form of release.

You’ve recently been named captain of the men’s cricket team at Oxford, how did it feel to receive that news? What does this achievement mean to you personally?

Being named captain at Oxford was something I never anticipated. I had effectively stopped playing cricket after school and only joined the university team on a whim. After a challenging season, I scored a century in the Varsity match last year, which made me want to continue for one final season. Cricket has been the most consistently rewarding part of my time at Oxford, and I wanted to give something back. I think my teammates recognised how much it meant to me, and it is a privilege to lead them.

What are your ambitions for the team during your time as captain?

In terms of ambitions, my immediate goal is to win as many matches as possible. We compete in the top university league and recently achieved our first-ever victory against Durham. Most importantly, I would love to finish my time at Oxford by beating Cambridge in all four fixtures this year. That rivalry remains the ultimate benchmark.

Looking back, how important was your time at the School in shaping where you are today?

If I had to take one lesson from my time at school, it would be this: challenges are not to be avoided but embraced. The most meaningful achievements, whether scoring a century or completing a DPhil, rarely come easily, but they are all the more rewarding for it.

What advice would you give to current students or those wanting to join Rugby School?

My advice to people wanting to join rugby, it would be open yourself up to as many things as possible. It's a place of abundant opportunity, and a place that if you give yourself to it completely, can transform you in a way that most other institutions can't. I would say, really, really make bonds and ties there with the teachers, your peers, whatever it may be for you, because those formative years, in a sense, are so important to who we become as people, as adults. And trust the process. Trust the time-honoured traditions of these institutions and being able to produce extremely capable people, extremely virtuous people. Trust, I would say, trust the school.