As IPL 2024 nears, the cricketing world is eager to see the next generation of talent emerge from Bihar and make their mark on this prestigious stage. Known for producing gritty cricketers who punch above their weight, Bihar has always been a key supply line of skill and passion for Indian cricket.
The upcoming IPL season can potentially unearth the state’s brightest prospects. With its unwavering love for cricket, Bihar has given Indian cricket stars like Kirti Azad and Ishan Kishan over the years.
The IPL has provided the perfect platform for talented cricketers from smaller towns to showcase their skills. In IPL 2024, Bihar is set to make its presence felt more prominently.
Bihari Players in IPL 2024
After impressive performances in domestic cricket and previous IPL seasons, four talented Bihar cricketers have earned IPL contracts for 2024.
The most prominent name on this list is Ishan Kishan, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman. Known for his aggressive strokeplay and tidy work behind the stumps, Kishan is expected to be bought for big money in the IPL auction. His batting exploits have already made him a T20 star.
Along with Kishan, uncapped medium pacer Akash Deep will be aiming to impress after earning a contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore on the back of consistent performances. His ability to nail yorkers and variations makes him a prized asset.
Hard-hitting all-rounder Shivam Singh’s recent domestic success could also earn him an IPL deal after being part of the Punjab Kings previously. His powerful batting and clever off-spin make him a great potential asset.
However, the most exciting Bihar prospect is medium pacer Mukesh Kumar. Kumar has been earning plaudits on the domestic scene with his ability to swing the new ball and hit probing lengths. An IPL deal could take him straight into the limelight.
Overall, IPL 2024 could prove to be a breakthrough event for Bihar’s talented cricketers. The tournament has always been the perfect springboard and several players will aim to follow the same path as their senior Kirti Azad and Ishan Kishan.
Ishan Kishan and Mukesh Kumar are representing India in international cricket:
Ishan Kishan
- The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman from Bihar has become a regular feature in India’s T20I and ODI squads after consistent IPL performances.
- In 31 T20Is so far, Ishan Kishan has scored 893 runs at an average of 32.25 and a strike rate of 134.84. He has notched up 3 fifties and a hundred in this format.
- In 10 ODIs, Kishan has scored 334 runs at an average of 41.75 with a strike rate of 104.21. He has 1 century and 2 half-centuries in ODIs.
- Known for his aggressive batting, Ishan Kishan provides explosive starts at the top of the order. His handy glovework and electric fielding add balance to the team.
- At just 24 years of age, Kishan is expected to be a vital player for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup.
Mukesh Kumar
- The medium pacer from Bihar has recently broken into the Indian team after consistently taking wickets on the domestic circuit.
- In his debut T20I series against Sri Lanka, Mukesh Kumar picked up 3 wickets in 2 matches at an economy rate of 7.50.
- He has played 1 ODI so far and taken 2 wickets against New Zealand. His economy was an impressive 5.29 in the game.
- Mukesh Kumar generates good swing with the new ball and hits immaculate lengths. This makes him particularly effective with the new ball.
- At 28 years old, Kumar has emerged as an exciting fast-bowling talent for India and provides crucial variety to the attack.
- With his strong domestic performances, Mukesh Kumar will be aiming to cement his place across formats in the Indian team.
Cricket Culture of Bihar
What truly drives Bihar’s rising talent is its robust cricket culture deeply embedded into the fabric of the state. For Biharis, cricket is not just a sport but an intrinsic part of life right from gully cricket to club games. This culture breeds tough, hardworking cricketers ready to put in the hard yards.
Bihar also has a solid cricketing infrastructure through its network of clubs and facilities in cities like Patna, Gaya and Muzaffarpur. The Bihar Cricket Association’s focus on grassroots development has created a player pool and widened the sport’s reach.
This cricket-rich environment combined with the typical Bihari attitude of resilience and determination creates the perfect foundation. Senior Bihar players like Kirti Azad and Ishan Kishan act as inspirations to excel in the IPL for youngsters.
Future Of Cricket in Bihar
While Bihar has made significant progress, the need is to build on it through strategic initiatives. More grassroots investment, specialized coaching and world-class facilities can lift standards further. Bihar can also collaborate with NCA coaches to adopt best practices.
If Bihar Cricket Association makes developing talent a priority, the state can unearth many more competent cricketers. Building partnerships with IPL franchises to provide exposure to emerging players can be a game-changer.
With senior Bihar players like Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar excelling on the IPL stage, they can motivate youngsters to chase cricketing dreams. As youth icons, they can usher in the next generation.
Conclusion
As IPL 2024 approaches, Bihar is ready to showcase the next crop of talented cricketers. With the proper grooming and exposure, the state can establish itself as a leading supply line of skilful players. The passion for cricket runs generationally deep in Bihar.
Channelizing this effectively can brighten the future of Bihar cricketers while enriching IPL’s quality. If the robust cricketing culture can merge with strategic planning, the state can produce many more inspirational success stories.