Brijesh Sharma’s remarkable journey from Udhampur to Jaipur is a testament to perseverance and talent. Born in Mada, a small town in Jammu & Kashmir, his cricketing career began in an area recognized for producing quality fast bowlers. He is currently making waves as a wildcard pick for IPL 2026 with the Rajasthan Royals.
Brijesh’s Early Life and Background
The son of a laborer, Brijesh grew up under challenging conditions. He started his cricketing journey by playing at the U16 and U19 levels for Jammu & Kashmir. Despite his natural talent, he faced intense competition when he reached the U23 category.
- Initially trained by Abdul Samad, a player for the Lucknow Super Giants.
- Moved to Delhi for better training opportunities under Deepak Punia.
Training and Development in Delhi
In Delhi, Brijesh participated in local tournaments like the Lala Raghubir Singh Hot Weather tournament and the Laxman Dass Chhabra Memorial. These platforms allowed him to hone his skills significantly.
- Brijesh increased his bowling speed from 125-128 kph to over 140 kph.
- Improved his skillset with variations like yorkers and slower bouncers.
Transition to Competitive Cricket
Despite honing his skills in Delhi, Brijesh sought more opportunities in West Bengal, where he played tennis-ball cricket for financial gain. This led him to the Kidderpore Sporting Club, where he gained valuable experience in the competitive circuit.
His breakthrough came when he participated in the Bengal Pro T20 League, where he was picked by Sobisco Smashers Malda. There, he took 11 wickets in seven matches and drew the attention of IPL scouts.
Recognition and Progress in IPL
Brijesh’s performance in local leagues paved the way for his entry into IPL 2026 as a Rajasthan Royals player.
- Statistics during Bengal Pro T20 League: 11 wickets at an economy of 7.7.
- Registered as a Cricket Association of Bengal player.
Support Networks and Future Aspirations
Brijesh received immense support from mentors like Deepak Punia and Debi Prasanna Padhi. They offered him accommodation, training, and essential resources to develop as a cricketer.
His determination and ability to adapt have garnered attention. Sourav Ganguly, CAB President, played a key role in assisting Brijesh with his paperwork for the IPL.
Looking ahead, both Punia and Azharuddin believe that Brijesh has the potential to achieve even greater heights. Their hope is for him to represent India one day, particularly as the team seeks skilled death bowlers.
Conclusion
Brijesh Sharma’s journey from Udhampur to Jaipur exemplifies the power of hard work and dedication. With a strong support system and a bright future ahead, he remains a player to watch in the world of cricket.
