Aspiring Madhya Pradesh leggie does not mind waiting for his turn

The name of Mihir Hirwani is not known to many cricket fans in the country. He is a young leg spinner from Madhya Pradesh who aspires to make it big in the sport. The 23-year old was recently seen practicing in the Kings XI Punjab practice session. He wore his Madhya Pradesh outfit and was happy to be a part of the session. It is worth noting that Mihir Hirwani is a star kid. He is the son of former Indian cricketer Narendra Hirwani.

Being a star kid comes up with its own pros and cons. At the IPL 2018 auctions, the name of Mihir was called out thrice, but no team picked him up. This could have been disappointing for any player who had performed very well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Also, Mihir Hirwani had returned as the best bowler of his team in the Ranji Trophy last season. Despite the rejection the auctions, Mihir Hirwani did not let his spirits go down. He is still optimistic about his chances and hopes to make it big soon.

“I was called for trials by three teams. I did well there. I thought someone or other will get me but that didn’t happen. After the auction, I was in the Kings XI’s preparatory camp for 13 days. I am sure some day, I will also be part of some team. I have already started preparing for the next season. Winning Ranji Trophy for MP next season is my aim,” Mihir Hirwani quoted.

On being a star kid

As per the quotes in TOI, he remarked that he often heard comments from people who reckoned his surge to the top was more due to his surname. Despite such constant critical comments, Mihir did not let things impact his game. He came up with good performances to shut all the critics.

“I felt pressure at the Under-16 level itself. I would always hear taunts like ‘Hirwani ka beta hai isliye aa gaya hai’. By the time I made it to Under-23, I got used to it. If Hirwani dominated more ahead of Mihir, it’s because what my father has done during his playing days. I had given big performances (9 wickets against Baroda in 2015-16) but people thought it was a fluke. I was looking forward to be more consistent and am glad I could do it,” he pointed out.

On his relationship with his father

Lastly, Mihir Hirwani did speak about his father. When asked if his relationship with his father is like a coach and a student or a normal father-son relationship, Mihir noted that there has been a transition. He revealed that they always talk cricket and now the relationship is predominantly like a coach and a student one.

“I guess the percentage of coach-student has increased over the years. Earlier, if it was 50% coach and father, now it’s 95% coach and 5% father. We mostly talk about cricket. He doesn’t overdo it but I like talking cricket with him. I want to improve and he is the best person to talk to. He always said ‘if you play, you will play for yourself, yes I will be proud but it will all be your achievement. You have been working hard for last 10 years so now is the time to deliver and not to give up. He just wanted me to be a large-hearted cricketer,” the junior Hirwani conceded.

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