In the whirlwind of the IPL 2024 Auction, emotions ran high for the family of Jharkhand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sumit Kumar. As the auction unfolded on live television, Sumit’s family, much like every cricketer’s kin, eagerly anticipated the moment when their son would secure an IPL contract. And the cricketer did bag the contract that too with Delhi Capitals.
When Sumit’s name was announced, soaring from a base price of Rs. 20 lakh to a remarkable Rs. 1 crore, joy erupted in his household. A teary-eyed mother reached for her phone to share the heartwarming news with Sumit, who was away on some errand.
Delhi Capitals sealed the deal, welcoming Sumit into their ‘family,’ and the official announcement on Instagram further solidified the cricketer’s joy. Local and national media, friends, relatives, and neighbors rushed to Sumit’s residence, turning it into a jubilant gathering.
However, the elation soon transformed into profound heartbreak as Sumit discovered a shocking mix-up. Delhi Capitals had posted a photo and welcomed another cricketer named Sumit Kumar from Haryana on their Instagram.
The devastated Sumit called his mother to convey the bewildering situation. Despite his attempts to explain, the initial joy of a significant IPL contract had given way to deep agony and disappointment.
“My mother was so happy. She was continuously praying for me. But how is this possible? I agree that the names can be the same, but what about the photo that was flashed on the television screen? My photo was there, my name was there,” expressed the dejected Sumit to Times of India.
Delhi Capitals later deleted the Instagram post
The embarrassment compounded as Delhi Capitals, a major IPL franchise, had featured Sumit’s photo on their Instagram handle, tagging him in the process. The post was later deleted, leaving Sumit bewildered and his family grappling with the situation.
In a public statement, Sumit and his family addressed the media and neighbors, clarifying the unfortunate turn of events. The cricketer, who started playing at the age of 10 and rose through the ranks to represent Nagaland, emphasized the impact of the incident on his family.
“It was an embarrassing moment for me and my family. I got a lot of congratulatory messages. Friends and cricketers sent screenshots of the auction that had my photo. But it all turned into a big embarrassment. I can’t tell you how my family and I felt,” Sumit shared.
Despite this setback, Sumit remains resilient. Drawing inspiration from MS Dhoni, whom he considers a mentor and a brother, Sumit is determined to continue his cricketing journey. He acknowledged the disappointment but affirmed his commitment to working hard towards his goals.
The IPL 2024 auction mix-up has certainly left an indelible mark on Sumit Kumar’s journey, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster that the world of cricket can unexpectedly become.
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