On March 30, 2026, Brijesh Sharma made his much-anticipated IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals in a match against the Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. The Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the stage for Sharma to showcase his skills on a prominent platform.
Brijesh, a 27-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for his base price of Rs 30 lakhs during the IPL 2026 auction. His selection came on the back of impressive performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Bengal Pro T20 League, where he finished joint-fifth among the top wicket-takers with 11 wickets in just 7 matches.
Sharma’s journey to the IPL has not been without challenges. He initially represented Jammu and Kashmir at the Under-19 and Under-25 levels before moving to Bengal in search of better training opportunities. Under the guidance of coach Deepak Punia at Unique Sports Club in Delhi, he honed his skills, despite facing financial constraints as his father worked as a labourer.
Reflecting on his journey, Sharma stated, “My journey has had its ups and downs. I learnt a great deal about discipline and things I needed to bring to play cricket at a higher level.” He also acknowledged the support he received from friends and family, saying, “My father’s hard work has paid off; my friends supported me financially and emotionally. They believed in me more than I did.”
Sharma’s rise is indicative of the growing list of cricketers emerging from Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has been gaining recognition for producing talented players. His IPL debut not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers from similar backgrounds.
As of now, Sharma’s performance in the IPL will be closely watched, as it could pave the way for further opportunities in his cricketing career. His success story highlights the potential pathways that exist in Indian cricket, where talent and hard work can lead to significant achievements.
With his debut now behind him, the cricketing community looks forward to seeing how Brijesh Sharma will continue to develop and contribute to the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season.
