IPL Auction 2024: Rajasthan Royals bought Shubham Dubey for INR 5.8 crore. Who is Shubham Dubey and all you need to know about him.
In defence of the ‘new’, Anton Ego in the film, Ratatouille had said: ‘The world is often unkind to new talent and new creations. The new needs friends.’ For India, the Indian Premier League has been that friend for young cricketing talents over the years. IPL has been a crucible for cricketing dreams, transforming talented individuals from humble backgrounds into megastars. They later go on to don the Indian jersey on the international stage. Serving as a pivotal bridge between the domestic and the national team, the IPL has scripted numerous success stories.
Added to them is now the compelling journey of Shubham Dubey, a high-budget sensation secured by the Rajasthan Royals at INR 5.80 Cr in this year's auction. This embodies the league's ability to unearth and propel extraordinary talent onto the grand cricketing stage.
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From Paan Thela to IPL Glory an extraordinary journey of a Cricketing Dream
A decade ago, the Dubey family faced financial hardships, with Shubham unable to afford basic cricket equipment like batting gloves. At that time, the family relied on the income generated from his father Badriprasad's paan thela at Kamal Square to make ends meet.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Shubham's love for cricket and his dream of playing at the highest level kept him going. His hard work and dedication on the cricket field eventually caught the attention of talent scouts. The turning point in Shubham's life came on Tuesday when Rajasthan Royals, inaugural winners of IPL, recognized his talent and potential.
A cheque worth Rs 5.80 crore for the 2024 IPL season is not only a validation of Shubham's cricketing skills but also a life-changing opportunity for his entire family. The financial struggles that once limited his access to basic cricket gear are now replaced with a lucrative contract that reflects the notion that hard work pays off!
For Shubham and his family, the news is nothing short of a miracle, leaving them speechless and overwhelmed with gratitude. "It's an unreal feeling. I did well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali (SMAT). So, I was hopeful of being picked in the auction. Frankly, I was not expecting such a big amount," Shubham said while extending his gratitude to the multitude of well-wishers gathering at his residence in Kamal Square on Tuesday evening.
Remembering his mentor late Sudeep Jaiswal, he said “For me buying even a glove was not possible. He gave me a new bat and kit. He included me in the playing XI for Under-19, Under-23 and 'A' Division teams. Without him, I wouldn't have made it to the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) team”
Romi Bhinder from the Rajasthan Royals confirmed that Shubham had been on the franchise's radar for a few years. For a long time, they had an eye on him and his domestic performances. They are elated to finally have him play for their franchise.
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How good is Shubham Dubey?
Shubham Dubey, not to be mistaken with CSK's Shivam Dube, entered the auction with a base price of Rs 20 lakh, sparking a bidding war as Delhi initiated the opening bid. Rajasthan Royals swiftly joined the fray, escalating the bid to Rs 1 crore.
Although yet to make his IPL debut, Dubey, who represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket, boasts an impressive T20 record with 485 runs in 20 games at a strike rate of 145. Functioning as a proficient left-hander, he particularly excelled as a blistering finisher during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, accumulating 221 runs in 7 matches at a striking rate of 187 and an average of 73.66. His impactful performance, highlighted by a stellar 58 off 20 balls against Bengal, garnered significant interest.
Both Delhi and Rajasthan Royals bid past the Rs 2 crore mark for Dubey. The spirited bidding intensified, driving Dubey's price to more than 10 times his starting amount, ultimately surpassing the Rs 4 crore mark. In a concerted push, the Royals successfully secured Dubey for a substantial amount of Rs 5.8 crore.
The Middle-Order Dynamo who can transform Rajasthan Royals' Batting Fortunes
In the crucial middle-order role, Shubham Dubey's explosive left-handed batting, showcased in SMAT for Vidarbha, brings a powerful dimension to Rajasthan Royals. With his addition, the middle order gains solidity after Sanju Samson, addressing the prolonged weakness of the team. A couple of times the team has faltered in the middle even after getting good starts from Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
A seasoned Indian batter with the ability to strike at 180+, Dubey's ability to come in and create immediate impact can prove pivotal in setting formidable totals and chasing down imposing targets. Looking ahead, he emerges as a promising asset akin to the rise of talents like Rinku Singh. The future holds intriguing possibilities for this dynamic addition to the Rajasthan Royals lineup.