The Indian Premier League (IPL) has once again proven its significance as a breeding ground for cricketing talent. With another auction concluded, uncapped players are finding themselves in the spotlight, their futures transformed by the bids placed on them. The most recent story of IPL auction success is that of the Jharkhand-based speedster, Sushant Mishra, who was picked up by the 2022 IPL champion team, Gujarat Titans, for an impressive sum of INR 2.2 crore.
Considered a steal at that price, Mishra was a hot commodity from the get-go, sparking a fierce bidding war between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans. Starting with a base price of just INR 20 lakh, the left-arm pacer’s stocks soared as the two franchises vied for his services before the Titans secured him for their squad.
Mishra isn’t a new name to those who follow cricket closely. The young bowler represented the Indian team at the U19 World Cup in 2020, helping the squad reach the finals and establishing himself as a force on the field. His journey since has seen him excel in domestic circuits, amassing experience in first-class, List A, and T20 matches for Jharkhand.
In the wake of his life-changing auction day, Mishra sat down for an exclusive interview with India TV, reflecting on this pivotal moment in his career, his influences, including MS Dhoni, his decision to become a bowler, and much more.
When asked about his feelings regarding the Titans bidding for him, Mishra expressed no preference for any particular team. He was simply ecstatic to be picked and is now fully committed to performing at his best for Gujarat Titans.
Mishra’s cricket journey began in the streets of his neighborhood, inspired by India’s World Cup victory in 2011. It was this triumph that led him to convince his father to enroll him in a cricket academy, setting him on the path to professional play.
Hailing from the same region as MS Dhoni, Mishra has always found inspiration in the legendary cricketer. Their first meeting post-U19 World Cup, where Mishra bowled to Dhoni in the nets, left a lasting impression on the young bowler.
Many cricket stars from India emerge as batsmen, but Mishra’s natural talent as a bowler was recognized early on by his coach, Shashikant Pathak, who encouraged him to focus on bowling.
Mishra also had the opportunity to work with Rahul Dravid during the U19 World Cup, an experience he cherished for the insights on the mental game he gained from the revered coach.
His stint as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore afforded Mishra the chance to bowl to powerhouses like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. The advice and suggestions he picked up from fellow bowlers like Dale Steyn and Umesh Yadav during this time enriched his skill set.
Looking ahead, Mishra is eager to join forces with Mohammed Shami and benefit from the experience of coach Ashish Nehra at Gujarat Titans. The warm welcome from captain Shubman Gill has already made an impact on the young cricketer.
Adversities, such as injuries, are part and parcel of a fast bowler’s life, but Mishra remains undaunted. His resilience is grounded in his focus on recovering and seizing the next opportunity.
Growing up, Mishra idolized Zaheer Khan, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being current favorites he looks up to. The prospect of making an IPL debut and taking any top player’s wicket is a dream come true for him, an accomplishment he eagerly anticipates.
The sentiment within the cricket community is one of excitement for Mishra’s future performances. The IPL stage awaits the young fast bowler as he aims to leave his mark and perhaps follow in the footsteps of the cricketing greats who have influenced his journey thus far.
