Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | IPL Auction Sees Bihari Players Shine: Ishan, Mukesh, and Akashdeep Make Big Waves The IPL (Indian Premier League) Auction is one of
The IPL (Indian Premier League) Auction is one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing world. Players from all over the globe eagerly await their turn to be picked by franchise teams, hoping for that one opportunity to showcase their talent on a world stage. This year’s IPL auction proved to be an especially proud moment for Bihar, as three players from the state secured lucrative contracts, marking a significant milestone in Bihar’s cricketing history.
Among the most talked-about selections were Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akashdeep Singh, all of whom made waves with their auction bids. The fact that these players hail from Bihar, a state that is often overlooked when it comes to cricketing talent, makes their success all the more impressive. Let’s dive into the journey of these cricketers and their remarkable performances at the IPL Auction, where Ishan fetched an astounding ₹11.25 crore, while Mukesh and Akashdeep were each bought for ₹8 crore.
Ishan Kishan, a name that has been making waves in Indian cricket for some time now, saw his value soar during the IPL Auction. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Patna was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2021 IPL Auction, where he made an immediate impact, and now, in the 2024 IPL Auction, his price skyrocketed to ₹11.25 crore.
The Early Days: Ishan’s cricketing journey began at the local level, playing in various junior tournaments in Bihar. He showed early signs of exceptional talent with both the bat and behind the stumps. His performances at the domestic level, especially for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy, were the stepping stones to his IPL career. The left-handed batsman’s aggressive style of play, paired with his ability to keep wickets with precision, caught the eye of IPL scouts.
Rise to Stardom: Ishan’s IPL debut with Mumbai Indians saw him shine as a dynamic top-order batsman. His aggressive stroke play and ability to perform under pressure made him a key asset for the team. His knock of 99 runs off 58 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 IPL season, which almost helped MI secure a victory, remains one of the defining moments of his IPL career.
Ishan’s success in the IPL eventually earned him a spot in the Indian national team, where he represented India in limited-overs formats. His consistency and flair were key reasons why he fetched ₹11.25 crore in the 2024 auction. The sum reflects not only his potential but also the faith that the IPL franchise has in him to continue his explosive performances.
Bihar’s Cricketing Pride: Ishan’s rise in the IPL is a testament to the growing cricketing culture in Bihar. Historically, the state has not been at the forefront of cricketing excellence compared to states like Mumbai, Delhi, or Punjab. However, Ishan’s success has paved the way for many young cricketers from Bihar to dream big. His auction bid is not just a personal achievement but a triumph for Bihar’s cricketing community.
Another player from Bihar who made headlines during the IPL Auction is Mukesh Kumar. The 30-year-old pace bowler, hailing from the city of Patna, was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹8 crore. Mukesh’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and raw talent.
From Bihar to International Cricket: Mukesh’s journey to the IPL has been nothing short of inspiring. He initially came to the limelight due to his exceptional performances in domestic cricket, especially for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. His ability to swing the ball both ways, along with his sharp pace, caught the eye of national selectors. His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (India’s domestic T20 competition) were particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to thrive in the shortest format of the game.
Breakthrough in Domestic Cricket: Mukesh’s consistency in domestic cricket, especially in the 2023-2024 season, earned him a place in India’s national team. His remarkable performances for India A and his breakthrough performances in the IPL scouting camps led to his selection by Kolkata Knight Riders. The fact that Mukesh fetched ₹8 crore in the auction underscores his growing stature as one of the most exciting pace bowlers in India.
A Significant Moment for Bihar: For Bihar, Mukesh’s success in the IPL Auction is monumental. The state has long been overshadowed by other cricketing powerhouses, but Mukesh’s selection proves that talent can emerge from any corner of the country. His rise is a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers in Bihar, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and aim for the stars.
Another Bihari cricketer who made waves in the 2024 IPL Auction is Akashdeep Singh, a fast bowler from the region. Akashdeep was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹8 crore, a price that reflects his growing potential and impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Journey of Akashdeep: Akashdeep, hailing from Gopalganj, Bihar, made his mark in the cricketing world with his pace and ability to generate bounce. He first came into the spotlight during his stint in the Ranji Trophy with Bihar, where his pace and aggression stood out. Akashdeep’s ability to bowl consistently at high speeds, along with his sharp bouncers, made him an attractive option for IPL franchises.
Impressive Domestic Performances: While his IPL journey is still in its infancy, Akashdeep’s performances in domestic cricket have already garnered a lot of attention. His impressive spell in the 2023-2024 season, where he scalped several key wickets, was instrumental in Bihar’s strong run in the Ranji Trophy. His ability to bowl in the death overs, coupled with his growing maturity as a bowler, made him an appealing choice for Rajasthan Royals.
Potential at the IPL: Akashdeep’s selection for ₹8 crore in the IPL Auction is a testament to the potential that IPL franchises see in him. Rajasthan Royals, known for their penchant for nurturing young talent, will be hoping that Akashdeep can live up to the hype and deliver with the ball in the upcoming season. For Bihar, this is yet another example of how players from smaller regions can break into the big league with the right opportunities.
The selections of Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akashdeep Singh in the IPL Auction are indicative of a shift in Bihar’s cricketing landscape. Historically, Bihar has been a state that has produced cricketing talent but often struggled to get the same recognition as states like Maharashtra, Delhi, or Punjab. However, the success of these three players is a clear indication that Bihar’s cricketing culture is evolving.
Grassroots Development: The rise of these players can be attributed to the growing focus on grassroots cricket in Bihar. With better infrastructure, coaching, and opportunities, young cricketers from Bihar are now able to hone their skills and make a mark in domestic and international cricket.
Youth Engagement and Training: Cricket academies in Bihar, including initiatives by former cricketers and local coaches, have played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent. Programs that focus on skill development, fitness, and match exposure are now more accessible, helping aspiring cricketers break into the professional circuit. As a result, Bihar is now seeing a new wave of talented players who are ready to represent the state at national and international levels.
State and National Recognition: The selection of Ishan, Mukesh, and Akashdeep is not just a victory for these individual players but also a recognition of Bihar’s growing cricketing ecosystem. Their success can inspire the next generation of cricketers to aim high and pursue their dreams, knowing that talent from Bihar can indeed make it to the IPL.
The 2024 IPL Auction will go down in history as a landmark moment for Bihar in the cricketing world. With Ishan Kishan’s ₹11.25 crore deal and the ₹8 crore bids for Mukesh Kumar and Akashdeep Singh, Bihar has firmly positioned itself on the cricketing map. These players’ journeys are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and belief in their abilities, and they have become role models for young cricketers in Bihar.
The success of these players also signifies the changing dynamics of Indian cricket, where talent is being recognized and nurtured from all corners of the country. For Bihar, the IPL Auction results are not just a celebration of individual achievements but a moment of pride for the entire state. It marks the beginning of a new era in Bihar’s cricketing history, and one can only hope that more young players will be inspired by the success of Ishan, Mukesh, and Akashdeep to chase their dreams and make a mark on the global cricketing stage.
