Dubai: In a historic moment, 21-year-old cricketer Robin Minz from Ranchi has become the first tribal player to join the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans engaged in a fierce bidding war for Minz, with the bidding starting at his base price of INR Rs. 20 lakh. The competition resulted in a significant payday for Minz, with the Gujarat Titans securing him for INR 3.6 crore, which is 18 times his base price.
Minz’s cricketing journey gained momentum under the guidance of Chanchal Bhattacharya, the childhood coach of MS Dhoni. Minz’s batting style was T20-friendly, as was his versatility as a 360-degree player.
The young cricketer’s father, Francis Xavier, is a retired army personnel now working as a security officer at Ranchi airport. He received the news of his son’s success while on duty.
Originally from a village in Ranchi, the Minz family moved to Ranchi, where Robin’s talent for cricket flourished. Despite his initial inclination towards athletics, influenced by his father’s career in the army, Robin eventually followed the path of his cricketing idol, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Known as “Ranchi’s Chris Gayle,” Robin Minz began his cricketing journey by donning a wicketkeeper’s glove, inspired by the legacy of Captain Cool, MS Dhoni. Asif, the batting coach at Sonnet Cricket Club, recognised Robin’s talent, and he quickly rose through the ranks with the support of Chanchal Bhattacharya.
Despite an assurance from MS Dhoni that the Chennai Super Kings would pick up Robin if he went unsold in the auction, the Gujarat Titans seized the opportunity, making him a proud addition to their team. Robin Minz’s success is not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for tribal representation in the IPL.
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