SRH Star Inspired by Dhoni Biopic to Rekindle Cricket Passion
Shivang Kumar rose from modest beginnings to reach the Indian Premier League. The 23-year-old spin allrounder now wears Sunrisers Hyderabad colours in his first IPL season.
Early struggles and inspiration
Shivang grew up in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. He lost interest in cricket after repeated non-selections.
A turning point came after he watched the Dhoni biopic. That film helped rekindle his cricket passion and resolve to return.
About a year after deciding to restart, he scored 98 against a Delhi side in a local tournament. That performance convinced him to pursue the sport again.
Domestic progress
Although born in Uttar Pradesh, Shivang represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. He impressed in the Madhya Pradesh League, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Those displays raised his profile ahead of the IPL auction. He also attended trials with Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.
IPL breakthrough with SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for ₹30 lakh in the auction. He missed two SRH trials due to a typhoon and an IndiGo airline strike.
Despite those absences, the franchise backed his potential. Shivang made his IPL debut against KKR earlier this week.
Role and ambitions
He is a spin-bowling allrounder aiming for higher honours. Both he and his father share the long-term dream of an India cap.
Family and coaching support
His father, Praveen, worked as a senior ticket collector in the Indian Railways. Praveen played Under-19 cricket for Bengal but left the game for family reasons.
After Shivang’s local success, his father enrolled him at Tansen Cricket Academy in Gwalior. A coach from Gwalior later took him to Bhopal, where he and Priyansh Arya impressed in a match.
| Age | 23 |
| Domestic team | Madhya Pradesh |
| IPL franchise | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Auction price | ₹30 lakh |
| IPL debut | Vs KKR |
Filmogaz.com spoke with Shivang about his journey. He credited the Dhoni biopic for helping him find his way back to the game.
- Hometown: Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Coaching base: Tansen Cricket Academy, Gwalior
- Key domestic events: MPL, Vijay Hazare, Syed Mushtaq Ali
Shivang’s story shows how films and family support can alter careers. The SRH star found fresh motivation and aims to turn IPL exposure into national selection.
