IPL 2024 Auction: Shubham Dubey, son of a paan stall owner, snapped up by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 5.8 crore

The IPL continues to create remarkable stories and the 2024 Auction was no different. It became a historic and life-changing event for several uncapped Indian players. Shubham Dubey, a young powerful batter, was one of them when he was snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 5.8 crore. A new ‘crorepati’, Dubey's life, along with that of his family, will be substantially different considering their modest financial background.

According to a Times of India report, Dubey's father, Badriprasad, ran a paan (betel) shop in Nagpur.

The batter was naturally elated after the auction, “It’s an unreal feeling. I did well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). So, I was hopeful of being picked in the auction. Frankly, though, I was not expecting such a big amount.”

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Dubey was excellent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he racked up 222 runs in seven matches at a remarkable strike rate of 187.28 and this played a key role in securing his IPL contract. He also achieved the feat of smashing the joint-fastest fifty for Vidarbha against Bengal.

He also spoke about the challenges that he has encountered on his way and expressed gratitude for the assistance he received from his mentor late Sudeep Jaiswal.

“Our financial condition was really bad at that time. Sudeep sir helped me a lot. Without his support, I wouldn’t have achieved anything in my life.”

"For me buying even a glove was not possible. He gave me a new bat, and kit. He included me in the playing XI for Under-19, Under-23 and 'A' Division teams. Without him, I wouldn't have made it to the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) team," Dubey said.

Sudeep Jaiswal, a lawyer by profession, used to operate the Advocate XI club which gave opportunities to young players who were facing financial issues. Jaiswal died in 2021 after contracting COVID.

Jaiswal's guidance led Dubey to play for Under-19, Under-23, and 'A' Division teams before he was included in the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) team.

Dubey is also among the new breed of cricketers who have emerged after playing in tennis ball tournaments.