
Created at Dec 26, 2025 12:58 PM
Mangesh Yadav thought the IPL auction night would be like any other, checking scores on his phone and hoping his name might pop up. He never imagined what actually happened. A 5.2 crore deal that turned him from a local player into an IPL star almost overnight. Even now, he is still in disbelief.
I cannot believe this is happening, Mangesh Yadav said, still counting, shocked. One minute I was just watching the auction, and the next my phone was blowing up. It feels like a dream.
From hard work to the spotlight
Mangesh did not became an overnight successful stop like many aspiring cricketers in India. He spent years in age group cricket, local games and domestic matches, often without much attention. His career was built on early morning practices, long train rides And small match fees.
He faced setbacks to missed selections, tough times and constantly needing to prove himself, but he kept going because he believed in himself and had the support of his family who were there for him when things were uncertain.
My parents sacrifice so much for me, he said. There were times when money was tight , but they never let me quit cricket.
The auction movement that changed everything
When the auctioneer announces his name, Mangesh did not expect a bidding war. But a simple call turned into a scramble between teams with the price going higher and higher. When the hammer finally dropped at 5.2 crore, it took a while for things to sink in.
I froze, he remembered. I wondered if I had heard correctly. I checked social media messages, common news, everything to be sure. Friends, coaches and teammates flirted his phone with congratulations somewhere emotional Others were just stunned. For Mangesh, it felt like a reward for years of hard work that no one saw.
It’s about more than money
While the price got everyone attention, Mangesh says that chance to play means more than the money. For him, the IPL is a way to learn from the best, complete against top bowlers and improve as a player.
The money changes my life for sure, he said. But wearing that jersey and sharing the field with the players I have always watched, that’s the real dream.
He is excited to learn from experience international stars and Indian players hoping to pick up their mind-sets, routines and how they handle the pressure.
Staying level headed
Even with sudden fame and money, Mangesh is determined to stay grounded. He created his upbringing and background in domestic cricket for keeping him humble.
I know one good auction does not make a career, he said. Performances is what matters. Now the real challenge Start. He focussed on getting fit, getting used to the intensity of IPL, cricket, and taking advantage of any chances he gets. He knows expectations are high but he sees that as the good thing.
Mangesh Yadav story is already inspiring young cricketers who dreamed of playing in the IPL. Going from a humble background to a 5.2 crore deal show that talent and hard work can still pay off full. When I was a kid, I imagine moment like this, he said. If my story gives even one younger player hope, that would mean everything to me.
Mangesh is still trying to take in all In. But one thing is sure Indian cricket has a great news story and the IPL is ready for its newest star.