Robin Minz becomes first tribal player in IPL

Robin Minz created history in the IPL becoming the first ever tribal cricketer in the history of the tournament. Only 21 years old, Minz’s name in the auction led to a bidding war between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Starting at his base price of INR 20 lakh, the tussle between the two teams led him to a paycheque of INR 3.6 crore - 18 times his base price. 

Minz has not made his professional cricket debut as yet. Then what is special about him?

He is a left-handed wicketkeeping batter who hits the ball hard. A middle order batter, Minz scored an unbeaten 73 off 35 deliveries playing in an invitational T20 tournament in Odisha earlier this year. 

According to News18, Minz has featured for Jharkhand U19 and Jharkhand U25 teams. He was selected by Mumbai Indians for a training camp, showcasing why the five-time IPL champions were so keen to include him in their roster. He also went to England for better training.

The 21-year old was also called for trials from Lucknow Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. He attended the trials for Delhi but was not selected and went unsold during the 2023 IPL auction. 

Minz considers MS Dhoni his idol and gave up on his studies after passing his 10th standard exams. His father has served in the army and now works in security at the Jharkhand airport. 

Picked by Gujarat Titans, Minz stands a chance of making his IPL debut. Gujarat have only three wicketkeepers and only two Indian wicketkeepers, with Wriddhiman Saha being the other. Born in 2002, he can also bowl left-arm orthodox spin. 

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