Shivang Kumar: From Local Trials to IPL Debut
Madhya Pradesh’s Shivang Kumar marked his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday, April 2nd, in a thrilling clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The 23-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner replaced pacer Eshan Malinga, who conceded 35 runs in two overs during SRH’s IPL 2026 opener.
The ‘India’s Noor Ahmad’
Shivang has quickly gained recognition as “India’s Noor Ahmad,” known for his ability to trouble batsmen with his deceptive left-arm spin. He also adds value as a capable lower-order batsman, making him a highly sought-after uncapped player in the IPL 2026 season. SRH secured Shivang’s talent for Rs 30 lakh at last year’s mini-auction, recognizing his potential.
Breakthrough Performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shivang first caught the eye during the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year, delivering a standout performance for Madhya Pradesh. He claimed an impressive 10 wickets in just three matches, maintaining an economy rate of 5.16. He also achieved his first five-wicket haul in a victory against Karnataka in Ahmedabad, solidifying his position as a shrewd, low-cost acquisition for SRH. You can find more information about the Vijay Hazare Trophy on the BCCI website.
T20 Stats and Early Impressions
In four T20 matches to date, Shivang has taken four wickets with an economy rate of 8.05. His best bowling figures stand at 3 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs against Bihar at Eden Gardens during the previous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The Road to the IPL
Before the IPL 2026 auction, Shivang participated in trials with several franchises, including Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals, receiving positive feedback from each. Sunrisers Hyderabad also invited him for trials twice, though scheduling conflicts with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy prevented his attendance on both occasions. Despite these challenges, the encouraging responses from multiple teams convinced Shivang that his IPL breakthrough was imminent, making SRH’s eventual selection particularly meaningful.
A Father’s Influence
Shivang’s cricketing journey has been profoundly influenced by his father, Praveen Kumar, a Railways employee and former Bengal Ranji cricketer. Growing up in Rewa, a region renowned for producing fast bowlers like Kuldeep Sen and Ishwar Pandey, Shivang honed his skills under his father’s guidance. A pivotal moment came when Praveen made the unconventional decision to convert his naturally right-handed son into a left-arm spinner – a move he later described as his “masterpiece.”
Overcoming Obstacles
A significant setback occurred when Shivang failed to make the Under-14 team, leading him to temporarily quit cricket for five months. However, inspired by the biopic of MS Dhoni and encouraged by his brother, he returned to the sport with renewed determination. This resilience and dedication ultimately paved the way for his IPL debut.
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