Indian Premier League is the biggest T20 League in the world and one of the most popular events in the game of cricket. This league, considered no less than a fiesta, is said to be the grooming ground for the future stars, since a decade now.
Introducing you to a rising star – Shubhang Hegde, a 19-year-old promising left-arm spinner from Karnataka. He is a talented sportsperson indeed and is called the crisis man for Karnataka in the junior-level cricket. Shubhang made his first-class debut for Karnataka in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season. For Karnataka, he has been a familiar face in the state side and he has also led the State a couple of times.
He plays for Belagavi Panthers in the Karnataka Premier League. The 2017 KPL finals was the one to remember where he bowled an outstanding spell of 2-8.
In December 2019, he was selected for India’s squad Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He has also captained India U-19 team against Afghanistan and was named in the Indian U-23 side for a tournament. He has an experience of playing first-class and List A matches. A consistent performer in age group tournaments, both for Karnataka and India.
For the season 2020, the franchises were asked to carry their own set of additional members and the localite – Shubhang Hegde was called up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise. Before the stream of reds made their way to the UAE practice grounds, a group of young individuals had already arrived with their kits for company, awaiting their icons to display their game in front of them.
“Receiving a call from RCB was a pleasant surprise. Although I had just started practicing after the lockdown, I was very excited to be a part of the squad and rub shoulders with such players.” – On asking how it was to be called up by a franchise that is home to big names.
The young spinner was called in to train with the franchise as a net bowler and stayed with them until their campaign ended in the playoffs.
Since the IPL was held in different conditions and within the bio bubble how difficult was it to adhere to the guidelines. He said, “The bio bubble was new for everyone and was a different experience. The first six days of isolation were pretty hard but once we were done with that it got better. The RCB team room was a place we could go any time and play table tennis; pool etc or else would have been very hard to enjoy our time. It was a new experience and was definitely not easy after around 50 days.”
“Initially, I was very nervous even thinking about just being around such players. Although Devdutt Padikkal is someone I have played with since the under 14s helped a lot. Just looking at the galaxy of players for the first time was surreal.” – said Shubhang on his first meeting with other players after exiting his room.
The player whom you followed throughout the camp – “Virat Kohli is definitely the one who sets very high standards and is followed by most sports enthusiasts. I choose Moeen Ali as he plays a similar role to what I do.” – He says.
Birds of a feather flock together. Hence, it was not surprising that Shubhang showed his admiration towards Moeen Ali.
On asking who was the toughest batsman he faced in the nets, he said – “When the world’s best batsman is a part of the list, I don’t think there’s any question on who would be the toughest to bowl to. It was obviously, Virat Kohli”.
“Spending so much time in the company of greats only helps to gain confidence as a player. There is so much to watch and learn. To know how the best players prepare for the game. It has made me a more confident person and a cricketer.” – He says on asking about the impact of this stint on his gameplay.
The youngster also received advice from Virat Kohli stating “In life, there is a lot more apart from cricket and it’s important to be able to switch off from the game because in India cricket is everything”. “Also, the way everyone handles social media pressures was something nice to see. Overall, I got to learn a lot of things and this undoubtedly was one of the best experiences”, said Shubhang.
There is credence reeking out of the 19-year-old; not even a wince as he strides into his bowling action and delivers the ball with astonishing fluidity. This Karnataka player has the potential to strike it big in the near future.
Last, but not the least. I would like to thank him for taking out his precious time to share his insights and wish him good luck for his future achievements.
18prajakta 