Shivang Kumar, a promising left-arm wristspin-bowling allrounder, is making waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, he plays domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh, aiming to fulfill a dream shared with his father, Praveen Kumar. Praveen, a senior ticket collector in the Indian Railways, once aspired to be a cricketer himself.
Shivang’s Journey in Cricket
Shivang’s cricketing journey is rooted in family circumstances. His father played Under-19 cricket for Bengal but was compelled to abandon his cricket ambitions. Shivang expressed, “Now, I am trying to fulfill both his dream and mine. The IPL is a big platform to reach that goal.”
Impressive Domestic Performances
Shivang established himself through remarkable showings in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) and other domestic tournaments. In MPL 2025, he scored 120 runs in six innings, boasting a staggering strike rate of 196.72, while also taking five wickets in four innings. His standout performance included a phenomenal 91 runs off just 42 balls.
- Scored 91 runs in MPL against Bhopal Leopards
- 120 runs in six MPL innings at a strike rate of 196.72
- Took five wickets in MPL at an economy of 7.21
He excelled further in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, where he took 10 wickets in three matches, including a five-wicket haul against Karnataka and a half-century against Jharkhand.
Overcoming Challenges
Shivang initially batted as an opener but adapted to the lower middle order, a transition that improved his confidence. “Those innings gave me a lot of confidence,” he remarked. Despite setbacks in securing IPL trials with Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, Shivang remained optimistic and was eventually bought by SRH for INR 30 lakh during the auction.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Shivang is eager to learn from SRH’s world-renowned coaches, Daniel Vettori and Muttiah Muralitharan. He found inspiration in the biopic of MS Dhoni, which motivated him to pursue cricket passionately. “I realized I could leave cricket, but cricket would never leave me,” Shivang said, emphasizing his enduring love for the game.
Support from Family
Praveen Kumar played a significant role in nurturing Shivang’s talent from a young age. He encouraged his son with both guidance and training, recognizing his potential early on. Praveen stated, “I would provide my son with all the facilities,” after watching Shivang perform excellently in local tournaments.
Future Aspirations
Both father and son share a common goal: to see Shivang don the India jersey. Praveen expressed hope that Shivang’s journey in the IPL would lead to greater opportunities. “This is just the beginning; the real goal is to wear the India blazer,” he confidently noted.
As Shivang Kumar continues his cricketing journey, he seeks to fulfill his father’s unfinished dream while establishing his legacy in Indian cricket. His rise in the IPL could be a significant step towards representing India and making a mark on the international stage.
