Indian Premier League (IPL) – world’s biggest T20 tournament has been changing the lives of several uncapped cricketers over the years. It has been the platform that has given some raw bunch of talents to prove their mettle for the last 11 seasons. Ahead of its next edition, it has yet again welcomed a bunch of unseen talents and Bengal’s 16-year-old leg-spinner Prayas Ray Barman is one of them.
Barman was picked for Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 1.5 crore at the IPL 2019 player auctions on Tuesday which turned out to be a ‘dream come true’ for him.
“I can't believe my eyes. I'm getting a flood of calls, congratulatory messages are pouring in. I never expected that I will be picked,” said Barman, who was Bengal's top wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic one-dayers.
The teenager from Bengal is excited about his achievement and looking forward to meeting his childhood hero Virat Kohli.
“I always dreamt to click a photo with Kohli. I've tried a lot but it never happened. Now I would be sharing the dressing room with him! It's unbelievable,” he added.
Six-ft-one-inch tall Prayas loves to be quick in the air and accurate with his line, as many compare him with the great Anil Kumble.
“I was not tall but grew immensely in the last two years. And people are comparing me with Kumble-sir,” said Barman.
Prayas had an impressive debut against Jammu and Kashmir, bagging 4/20 as he ended up with picking 11 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 4.45. But despite the brilliant effort, he failed to make the cut to the Bengal Ranji side.