Aniket Verma’s IPL Dream Becomes Reality

March 22 was a night of excitement and visualization for 23-year-old Aniket Verma. Having been named in Sunrisers Hyderabad's playing XII, he struggled to sleep, imagining different match scenarios.

From Madhya Pradesh Premier League to IPL 2024

Aniket’s rise began in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League 2024, where his 273 runs in six innings, including a 32-ball century and 25 sixes, caught the attention of IPL scouts. His performance earned him a trial with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he impressed in power-hitting simulations, eventually securing a contract at his base price of INR 30 Lakh.

A Life of Sacrifice and Determination

Aniket lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his uncle, Amit Verma, in Bhopal. Amit, despite financial hardships, ensured Aniket received cricket coaching, driving him 13 km daily to Ankur Cricket Academy.

Aniket’s talent was evident early. At 11 years old, he displayed exceptional power, hitting sixes like a seasoned player. His coach, Jyoti Prakash Tyagi, predicted he would one day score 400 runs in a match—a feat Aniket achieved two years ago in an inter-division game against Chambal.

IPL Debut and Six-Hitting Aspirations

Aniket made his IPL debut against Rajasthan Royals, smashing a six off his first ball. Days later, he scored a 36 (13) knock against LSG, with 30 of his runs coming in sixes.

Training alongside Heinrich Klaasen, he has been refining his six-hitting technique. He also admires Hardik Pandya and plans to discuss bat flow mechanics when they meet during the season.

His goal for IPL 2025? To hit the most sixes in the season—a target SRH would love to see him achieve.