20-year-old Nathu Singh, whose father is a factory worker in Jaipur, on Saturday was bought by IPL franchise Mumbai Indians at the auction – for a Rs 3.2 crores. Pace bowler, Nathu Singh is considered as the fastest bowler in the India at the moment; hence it did not come as a surprise that he found an employer in the league.
“Now I will build a new house for my parents,” an emotional Nathu said to Hindustan Times on Saturday. “My priority is to play well in IPL and prove my strength. IPL is the platform to enter the Indian team,” he said.
Nathu’s father Bharat Singh said he was busy loading packets of wire on trolleys, when someone informed him.
“I am very happy for his achievements. His hard work has paid off”, Bharat Singh said, adding that his son even took up odd jobs to buy cricket kits.
Surprisingly, Nathu’s base price was just Rs 10 lakhs – which means he was bought for 32 times that amount. Nathu said he hopes to catch the eye of the national selectors during his stint with Mumbai Indians in IPL.
Nathu was picked for the India ‘A’ squad to play the touring South Africans after a successful outing in the Ranji Trophy. Though he didn’t do very well, Nathu bounced back in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments with great work in most matches. Nathu also represented India ‘B’ in the Deodhar Trophy.
With the likes of McGrath and Rahul Dravid terming him as India’s fast bowling future, all eyes will be on Nathu at the upcoming edition of the IPL.
Lovely story. Fast bowler and son of a labourer from Sikkar in Rajasthan goes to @mipaltan for 3.2 crore #IPLAuction #nathusingh
— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) February 6, 2016
#Cinderella story Son unskilled factory worker #Rajasthan Pacer #NathuSingh picked Rs3.2cr Mumbai Indians @MIPaltan https://t.co/UnXO68kAy1
— Dr. Sanjay Prakash S (@DrSanjayPSahoo) February 8, 2016
The most heartwarming story of this year’s #IPLAuction 🙂 #NathuSingh https://t.co/JgD3YUxciH
— Surendhar MK (@MadrasBachelor) February 7, 2016
#NathuSingh – @mipaltan – 3.2 crs
Heard alot about him..have to watch him play
— It Happens !! (@tharungstars) February 6, 2016
