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Izaz Sawariya, a 20-year-old Rajasthan leg-spinner with no pro experience, enters IPL 2026 auction after impressing Punjab Kings in trials.
Izaz Sawariya. (Picture Credit: IG/izazsawaria)
Unheralded and unknown, Izaz Sawariya is a reputation that doesn’t ring a bell on the IPL 2026 auction list. Slotted at No. 265, the 20-year-old Rajasthan leg-spinner has a web-based presence but is amongst handful of cricketers within the mini auction pool who’re yet to play skilled cricket.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, Izaz spoke to News18 CricketNext about his cricketing journey, how he found himself registered for the auction despite his lack of experience and the one franchise he has at all times dreamed of representing.
Excerpts
When and the way did you begin playing cricket & why leg-spin?
I began playing cricket in Karnataka in 2017 as my father, who’s within the Air Force, was posted in Bidar. Around 2018-19, I moved to Bengaluru and spent nearly six years playing cricket there.
Over the past two to a few years, I actually have been based in Jaipur. After spending an extended time in Karnataka, I felt it was essential to play for my home state. My father supported that call. I started as a pacer. On my first day on the academy, the coaches felt pace was not my strength. I then tried bowling leg-spin and so they saw potential. From that moment, I switched to leg-spin.
With no skilled experience, how did your IPL auction registration occur?
I made a decision to start posting bowling reels on social media. Soon after, IPL teams contacted me and asked to see me bowl in person. I attended trials with the Chennai Super Kings and the Punjab Kings last month. I believe I impressed Punjab Kings because they later asked me to enter my name for the auction. They emailed the Rajasthan Cricket Association, after which the RCA called me to substantiate my details.
Do you’re thinking that social media helps kids who’re yet to interrupt through?
Social media has helped me immensely. Many talented cricketers don’t get possibilities or visibility. I started posting reels without expectations and things just worked out in my favour.
If given a alternative, which franchise would you prefer to play for?
CSK has been my favourite franchise since childhood, and I’d like to play for them. That said, I’m completely happy to represent any team if given the possibility.
How would you describe your eight-year cricketing journey?
The primary two years were pure enjoyment with no pressure. As I entered age-group cricket, I understood the demands of the sport and felt the pressure increase.
Like everyone, I actually have faced ups and downs where results didn’t match the hassle. Through all of it, my family has been my biggest support. They never forced me to choose from studies and cricket and at all times backed me to maintain playing.
After moving to Jaipur, I joined Sanskar Cricket Academy. My coach, Mr Surendra Singh Rathore, has been crucial to my development. He has worked on my technique and taught me more within the last three years than anyone else.
How excited are you ahead of the auction?
The thrill over the past two months has been unlike anything before. I’m having fun with every moment, including the training sessions and I’m extremely enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
Click here so as to add News18 as your chosen news source on Google. December 15, 2025, 14:02 IST
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