From bowling in nets to Dhoni to shining at ISPL, Irfan Umair’s journey comes a full circle

Falcon Risers Hyderabad defeated Bangalore Strikers in an exciting match because to the outstanding efforts of Irfan Umair, the team’s most expensive player and a well-known death-over specialist. Maintaining composure, he held the opposition to only three runs in the last over, capping off a thrilling triumph and igniting celebrations in the Hyderabad camp. In the second edition of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), he helped the Falcons win their third game with a spectacular spell of two wickets for 12 runs in two overs, earning him the coveted Gully to Glory Award.

When Irfan Umair, a native of Ranchi, Jharkhand, travelled to Mumbai to pursue his cricketing passion, he struggled financially and resided at train stations. He persevered, working odd jobs like sushi chef and waiter, and eventually gained a spot at MIG Cricket Club, where he eventually qualified for the Ranji and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies.

He turned to tennis-ball cricket during the lockdown to make ends meet, honed his death-over techniques, and, in spite of missing ISPL Season 1, landed a contract worth INR 16.5 lakh on his debut in Season 2. As a Chief Guest at the Delhi Dhamaka Tournament, assistant coach Vishal Kalyankar of Falcon Risers Hyderabad made the discovery of Irfan Umair. The Falcon Risers Hyderabad carry on their legacy of spotting and developing tennis-ball cricket players and promoting them to the highest level of the ISPL.

“In my team, I am known as a death-over specialist, and my strength remains the same,” Umair said of his game-winning last over. I was sure that my wide-yorker would be difficult to hit if it landed properly since I trust my game. I was certain that I could defend 10 runs. I am grateful for the trust that my owners, my crew, and the entire performance staff have placed in me.

I’m appreciative of the chance and promise to keep it up in the next games. As a team, we prioritise winning together and maintaining that momentum over individual efforts. Finally, I want to thank my family for their help. Remain disciplined, put in a lot of effort, and have faith in yourself, supporters. There are no short cuts to achievement.

Irfan Umair, who used to bowl the net frequently for MS Dhoni,

now wants to establish himself as a professional cricketer and show that perseverance and hard effort are always rewarded.

Vishwajit Thakur’s tenacious 26 off 19 and Jonty Sarkar’s solid 15 off 16 helped Hyderabad overcome a rocky start to write a competitive 84/9 after being asked to bat first. With a vital 46-run partnership, the pair stabilised the innings after Hyderabad faltered to 10/4 in the opening two overs. Late fireworks were added by captain Bablu Patil to guarantee a fighting total.

Irfan demonstrated why he is among the finest under pressure, according to Falcon Risers Hyderabad head coach Chetan Padiyar. He changes the game with his ability to execute wide yorkers. He demonstrated his mental toughness and expertise by defending 10 runs in the last over. This victory was the result of a team effort, and we are eager to maintain the momentum.

“I’m really pleased with my performance tonight,” Vishwajit Thakur remarked at the post-match ceremony following his second consecutive Man of the Match victory. Choosing the 50-50 over in the seventh over was the proper move, and Vicky Bhoir’s accurate bowling was the pivotal moment. We were so confident in Irfan’s ability to protect those last ten runs that we never felt the game was slipping away.