A 23-year-old spinner from Moradabad, Shivang Kumar, made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on April 2. Picked for Rs 30 lakh in the 2026 mini auction, Shivang’s entry into the league stands out for the unusual decisions and setbacks that shaped his path.

Shivang Kumar's father's masterpiece idea changed his career

Shivang’s story begins in Harthala Railway Colony in Moradabad, where his father Praveen Kumar worked as a Chief Ticket Inspector. A former Bengal Ranji cricketer, Praveen took charge of his son’s cricket early and stayed closely involved in his development.

The biggest turning point came when he decided to switch Shivang from a right-arm bowler to a left-arm spinner, despite him being naturally right-handed. Shivang later called this move his father’s “masterpiece.”

Learning by watching

As a child, Shivang spent hours observing bowlers like Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav, trying to copy their variations in local matches in Moradabad.

Later, in Rewa, better known for fast bowlers, he continued to train under his father’s watch, refining his spin in conditions not always suited for it.

When cricket stopped for five months

Shivang’s journey was not steady. After failing to make the Under-14 team, he quit cricket for five months, convinced he had reached a dead end.

The comeback came after watching MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Encouraged by his brother, the film made him rethink his decision and return to the game with renewed focus.

Shivang Kumar stats

His performances in domestic cricket pushed him back into contention. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shivang picked up 10 wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 5.16.

A five-wicket haul against Karnataka in Ahmedabad became a key moment, putting him on the radar ahead of the IPL auction.

In T20 cricket, he has taken four wickets in four matches, with his best spell of 4-0-25-3 coming against Bihar at Eden Gardens during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Missed trials, then a late opening

Before the IPL 2026 auction, Shivang attended trials with multiple teams, including Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, and received positive feedback.

Sunrisers Hyderabad had called him twice earlier, but he missed those chances due to scheduling clashes and a cancelled session. Despite that, the franchise returned for him at the auction and signed him at his base price.