Tilak Varma to Rakesh Kumar, 5 Inspiring IPL Players Who Overcame Extreme Hardships

1: Tilak Varma, Mumbai Indians

He became an overnight sensation. His father is an electrician who worked hard to ensure his son fulfils his cricket dream. He once played with a broken bat but now has earned 8.5 times more than his base price during the IPL auction.

2: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajasthan Royals

The RR retained this powerhouse of talent for Rs 4 crore. He is the younger son of a shopkeeper in Bhadohi, UP. He has lived in a tent, sold pani puri and slept on a hungry stomach to achieve his dream. He scored 400 runs during India's Under 19 World Cup 2020.

3: Mohammed Siraj, Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Son of an autorickshaw driver, Siraj is a fast bowler from Hyderabad. His breakthrough year was 2015 when he got 41 wickets in nine matches in a Ranji Trophy. He was retained by RCB for Rs 7 crore during the auction.

4: Kuldeep Sen, Rajasthan Royals

Kuldeep, who was bought for Rs 20 lakh, once had to borrow shoes. His father runs a small hair cutting salon at Sirmour Chouraha in Rewa town. Seeing his hunger for the game, the local cricket academy had even waived off his coaching fees.

5: Ramesh Kumar, Kolkata Knight Riders

Ramesh is from Jalalabad, Punjab, whose father is a cobbler and mother sells make-up products in neighbouring villages. He began his cricketing career with a tennis ball and would play local matches to earn meagre amounts to support his family financially.