Saran: A young fast bowler from Bihar has secured a place with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing journey and bringing pride to his home district.
Pankaj Tiwari, a resident of Satjoda village in the Panapur area of Saran district, has been selected as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the most prominent teams in the IPL.
Tiwari, son of Madhusudan Tiwari, impressed selectors with his pace bowling, consistently delivering at speeds of around 138 kmph. His selection offers him the opportunity to train alongside top-level players, including India’s star batsman Virat Kohli.
His journey into professional cricket began at the age of eight, playing with basic equipment in village fields. Despite limited resources, he continued to pursue the sport with determination.
Tiwari trained at the Saran District Cricket Academy in Dahiavan before moving to Patna, where he spent five years at the Sarkar Patel Cricket Academy refining his skills. He currently trains under coach Shashi Nandan, whose guidance has played a key role in his development.
Coming from a modest background, Tiwari faced several challenges along the way. His father is a retired sub-inspector in the Bihar Police, while his mother is a homemaker. His younger brother serves in the Indian Navy.
At one point, his dedication to cricket led him to skip his Class 10 examinations, though he later resumed his studies and completed his education, graduating from Rajendra College under Jai Prakash University in Chapra.
Tiwari’s success has sparked celebrations in his village, with residents expressing pride in his achievement. Many have taken to social media to share their connection with him and celebrate his rise.
This is not his first association with the IPL. He was previously selected as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals, where he gained valuable exposure to high-level cricket.
Speaking about his journey, Tiwari said that success comes through consistent effort and perseverance. He encouraged young people to stay focused and continue working hard, regardless of their circumstances.
His story is being seen as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, particularly those from smaller towns and rural backgrounds.
