From Paan Thela to IPL: Nagpur's Shubham Dubey gets nearly Rs 6 crore bid from Rajasthan Royals
Shubham Dubey, who struggled financially just a decade ago, is now set to receive a hefty sum of Rs 5.80 crore from the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2024 IPL season. A resident of Kamal Square in Nagpur, Dubey's family once struggled to make ends meet with his father's income from a paan thela. However, the talented batter's outstanding performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has now earned him a substantial contract.
Dubey, expressing his astonishment, remarked, «It's an unreal feeling.
I did well in the SMAT, so I was hopeful of being picked in the auction. Frankly, though, I was not expecting such a big amount.» His gratitude extended to the numerous well-wishers who gathered at the Dubey family residence on Tuesday evening.
The statistics from Dubey's recent performances in SMAT speak volumes about his talent. Scoring 222 runs in seven matches at a remarkable strike rate of 187.28 and an astonishing average of 73.76, Dubey showcased his big-hitting prowess with 10 fours and 18 sixes.
Notably, he achieved the joint fastest T20 fifty for Vidarbha, taking just 18 balls against Bengal, finishing unbeaten on 58 (20b;3x4;6x6) at a staggering strike rate of 290.
In his moment of fame, Dubey acknowledged his humble beginnings and the individuals who supported him during challenging times. Remembering his mentor, the late Sudeep Jaiswal, Dubey stated, «Our financial condition was really bad at that time. Sudip sir helped me a lot.
