IPL 2021: Yudhvir Charak recalls the moment when he was picked in the auction

Defending champions Mumbai Indians have always banked on their young players besides having a core group of Indian and international superstars. Over the years their scouting process has been quite exceptional which have helped them nourish some young names that have benefited Indian cricket in the long run. 

In the February auctions, Mumbai Indians picked some young guns which included the 23-year-old bowling all-rounder Yudhvir Singh Charak. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Yudhvir Charak plies his trade for Hyderabad in the domestic circuit. 

During a recent video posted by the Mumbai Indians on their official Twitter handle, Yudhvir Charak speaks about how life has changed after the IPL Auctions. He recalled the fact that all his family members saw the auction together and he knew his name would only come towards the latter half. When the Director of Cricket Operations of MI, Zaheer Khan bid for him, tears started rolling down his cheek as it was a huge moment for the youngster to get the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greats of the game. 

“I was watching the auction for a while. I knew if my name would come up it would come last, if not then so be it. I was sitting with all my family members watching…. And then when my name came up and when Zak sir raised the paddle tears started flowing down my eyes. I cannot express how unbelievable that feeling was. Playing for MI is a big deal for me and for my state as well. Lots of hope and aspirations are on my shoulders that I play matches and do well. Take our state Jammu and Kashmir to new heights” Charak said during the video interview. 

Meanwhile, team manager Rahul Sanghvi stated that MI are known to pick uncapped players in the auctions and it was no different this time around. Both Yudhvir Charak and Arjun Tendulkar was part of MI’s support bowlers in the previous IPL in UAE and for them to get an opportunity in the main team is indeed a big moment. Sanghvi further explained that the coaches felt that both Yudhvir and Arjun Tendulkar were ready to take the roles which they were thinking at and hence they picked both of them in the auction. 

Speaking on the same Charak said, “Last year also I was with the team. Then I was a support bowler and I got an opportunity to learn so much which eventually helped me in the improvement of my game in the next domestic season. So I am very happy that this time I am picked in the main team."

Meanwhile, Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan also reiterated the fact that MI followed their tradition in picking Yudhvir Charak in the auctions. He further explained that Mumbai Indians has been a breeding ground for any young cricketers who have been part of the franchise and it should be no different with Charak. He wished them luck and also encouraged them to enjoy the atmosphere of the IPL. 

Speaking about his opportunity at the highest level, Yudhvir Charak expressed his excitement and said that this is just the start of his cricketing career at the highest level. 

“This is the start of my career, I mean at the high level. There are several great players in this team from whom I can learn a lot from. Coaches are really good here. Most of all I want to do well for my team. They have picked me for a reason so I want to perform the best for my team be it batting, bowling or fielding. So I want to perform to the best of my capabilities and learn from this team as much as possible because this is the best team in the IPL, they have been 5-time champions and so there will be a lot to learn from this experience,” Charak added.