Indian Premier League (IPL) is the world’s biggest premier league and to be part of this is every player’s dream. This is one of the competitive leagues around the world. In the current season, five players from JK have managed to seal the spot in different franchises of the league.
Abdul Samad
Abdul Samad Farooq, born on October 28, 2001, is a cricketer who has already made a significant impact in both domestic and franchise cricket at the young age of 22.
Hailing from the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir UT, Samad embarked on his cricketing journey by representing his state team in various tournaments. His skills and potential were evident when he made his Twenty20 debut for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on February 21, 2019. Later that year, on September 27, he marked his List A debut in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, followed by his first-class debut on December 9, 2019, in the 2019–20 Ranji Trophy.
However, it was in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where Abdul Samad gained wider recognition and captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts. The Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for the 2020 IPL season, which was a significant milestone in his career. On September 29, 2020, he made his IPL debut against the Delhi Capitals, showcasing his batting prowess as a right-handed batsman and his leg-spin bowling skills.
Abdul Samad’s IPL journey has been marked by memorable moments. He has played a total of 34 matches to date, accumulating 395 runs with an average of 19.75. His highest IPL score of 37* runs reflect his ability to make valuable contributions to his team’s batting line-up. Furthermore, he has displayed his power-hitting capabilities, smashing 22 fours and 25 sixes during his IPL career.
Recognizing his potential and consistent performances, the Sunrisers Hyderabad retained Abdul Samad in the IPL 2022 auction, reaffirming their faith in his abilities. In the IPL Auction of 2023, he was acquired by the Hyderabad franchise for a price of Rs 4.00 Crores, further cementing his position as a valuable asset in the team.
“I am happy and got the opportunity to share the ground with best players of the era. It will definitely be a learning experience for me and I will try my best to deliver to my full potential,” Samad said after getting the news about his auction.
As of May 2023, Abdul Samad recently played his last IPL match against Bangalore at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India. Although he didn’t manage to score in that particular match, his overall contributions to the team have been commendable.
Abdul Samad’s cricketing journey has just begun, and his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have showcased immense promise. With his batting skills, power-hitting abilities, and leg-spin bowling, he possesses the potential to become a key player for both Jammu & Kashmir and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the forthcoming years. As he continues to refine his skills and gain more experience, cricket fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the growth and success of this young and talented cricketer.
Avinash Singh
Avinash Singh, a promising young cricketer, has captivated the cricketing world with his remarkable journey from a humble background to signing a contract with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. Born and raised in a lower-middle-class family in Jammu, Avinash’s path to success was riddled with challenges and sacrifices.
Growing up, Avinash aspired to become an Indian Army Officer but faced disappointment in the physical tests. Cricket, a mere hobby at the time, soon became his gateway to a brighter future. In February 2022, he caught the attention of renowned cricket coach Mayank Goswami, who invited him to join his academy. Overcoming financial constraints, Avinash’s father allowed him to pursue cricket.
“I wanted to join the army but failed in the physical tests a couple of times and cricket was just my hobby. I had never thought of taking it as a career.” Singh said.
Under Mayank’s guidance, Avinash trained at the academy and further honed his skills under coach Ashok Gaikwad in Pune. In September 2022, Avinash impressed during IPL franchise camps, catching the eye of Royal Challengers Bangalore scouts with his bowling action and impressive speed. He also received trial invitations from Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, showcasing his talent.
In December 2022, Avinash’s dreams materialized as he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 60 lakhs in the 2023 IPL mini-auction. This achievement came just ten months after he embarked on his cricketing journey.
Throughout his journey, Avinash faced resistance from his father, but he remained resilient and motivated by his passion for cricket. His determination and unwavering focus led to his breakthrough in professional cricket.
As of now, Avinash is yet to secure a place in the playing XI for the ongoing IPL season.
Umran Malik
Umran Malik, born on 22 November 1999 in Jammu, is a highly skilled cricketer representing India as a right-arm fast bowler and all-rounder. With a remarkable journey in domestic and international cricket, Umran has emerged as a rising star in the sport.
Coming from a modest background, Umran’s passion for cricket ignited at a young age. Handpicked as a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, he gained invaluable experience and impressed fans and experts alike.
I was introduced as a net bowler by Samad to the SRH franchisee. I gave my best to my ability and it caught the eye of the selectors and I made it into IPL. I believe that JK has a lot of cricketing potential and IPL is the best platform to showcase the talent and get recognised,” Malik said this just before joining SRH.
In his IPL debut, Umran showcased his mettle as a pace bowler. His standout performance earned him recognition as a net bowler for the Indian national team in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He made his first-class debut for India A and left a lasting impression.
In the IPL, Umran has been an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad, making valuable contributions with his bowling and batting skills. With 24 matches under his belt, he has impressed with his abilities. He has also shown glimpses of his batting potential.
Umran’s exceptional abilities led to a significant investment by the Hyderabad franchise in the IPL Auction 2023, further solidifying his position as a promising talent in Indian cricket.
Beyond the IPL, Umran has represented India in international cricket, making his T20I and ODI debuts. His impact was evident in his first ODI appearance when he dismissed Devon Conway, signaling a promising start to his international career.
At the age of 24, Umran Malik has achieved notable milestones in the cricketing world. With his lethal pace, accuracy, and all-round abilities, he has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, Umran possesses the potential for remarkable success at both domestic and international levels. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his future performances and significant contributions to the game.
Malik was held by Sunrisers as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore. Malik was the second uncapped Jammu & Kashmir-player, next to Abdul Samad, who was retained by Sunrisers.
Vivrant Sharma
Vivrant Sharma, a talented cricketer from India, was born on October 30, 1999. Known for his exceptional batting skills, he has made a name for himself in domestic cricket. His explosive performances during the 2022-23 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 395 runs at an average of 56.42, have brought him into the spotlight.
Vivrant made his Twenty20 debut in November 2021, representing Jammu & Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His potential and talent caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts across the country. He also spent a year as a net bowler for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, gaining exposure to the highest level of the game.
During the 2023 Indian Premier League auction, Vivrant was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering Rs 2.6 crore, demonstrating the belief in his talent. Born and raised in Jammu and Kashmir, Vivrant overcame adversity after losing his father at a young age. His brother Vikrant became his guiding force, recognizing his passion for cricket and encouraging him to pursue his dreams.
One notable aspect of Vivrant’s journey is his transition from a right-handed batsman to a left-handed batsman and a leg spin bowler. This decision showcased his adaptability and added a new dimension to his game. With his explosive batting, versatility, and bowling skills, Vivrant is poised to make a significant impact in the game. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future contributions as he continues to refine his skills and gain more exposure to top-level cricket.
Yudhvir Singh
Vivrant Sharma, a talented cricketer from India, was born on October 30, 1999. Known for his exceptional batting skills, he has made a name for himself in domestic cricket. His explosive performances during the 2022-23 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 395 runs at an average of 56.42, have brought him into the spotlight.
Vivrant made his Twenty20 debut in November 2021, representing Jammu & Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His potential and talent caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts across the country. He also spent a year as a net bowler for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, gaining exposure to the highest level of the game.
During the 2023 Indian Premier League auction, Vivrant was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering Rs 2.6 crore, demonstrating the belief in his talent. Born and raised in Jammu and Kashmir, Vivrant overcame adversity after losing his father at a young age. His brother Vikrant became his guiding force, recognizing his passion for cricket and encouraging him to pursue his dreams.
One notable aspect of Vivrant’s journey is his transition from a right-handed batsman to a left-handed batsman and a leg spin bowler. This decision showcased his adaptability and added a new dimension to his game. With his explosive batting, versatility, and bowling skills, Vivrant is poised to make a significant impact in the game. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future contributions as he continues to refine his skills and gain more exposure to top-level cricket.
It is important to note here that there were 21 players from JK who were shortlisted for IPL 16th season. And also, seven players including Umar Nazir from Pulwama and Samiullah Dar were taken as net blowers by different franchisees.
