24-year-old Nehal Vadera from Ludhiana will be seen playing for Punjab Kings in IPL-2025. Punjab bought him for Rs 4.20 crore in the recently concluded mega auction. It was sold at 14 times its base price. Its base price was 30 lakh rupees.
He was part of Mumbai Indians for the last two seasons. Nehal came into the limelight in his debut season in 2023 with an innings of 64 off 51 balls against Chennai Super Kings.
After the mega auction, Nehal's father Kamal Vadhera spoke to Bhaskar. He said- 'Nehal was mischievous from childhood. His mother sent him to a cricket academy to protect him from his mischief. Nehal wanted to learn batting, so his father Kamal got an indoor practice pitch made at home. Not only this, they also brought a bowling machine for him. Read Nehal's success story…
At the behest of Kamal Nehal said-
We expected 2-3 teams to try to buy Nehal. It was good to see four-five teams competing to get Nehal. Finally the Punjab Kings succeeded in getting the son.
Mother put me in a cricket academy because it was fun at home Nehal's father Kamal Vadhera has a company in Ludhiana. His mother is a vice president in the company. Nehal was physically active since childhood. With the summer holidays underway, her mother felt that she would cause a ruckus if she stayed home. In such a situation it should be sent to a place where its energy can be properly utilized.
From an acquaintance I came to know that the UCC club is running a cricket summer camp. In that camp he was awarded the best cricketer out of 200 kids. On the advice of the coach there, we got Nehal admitted to Ludhiana District Cricket Association's Cricket Academy.
He got angry when the cricket kit was put out Nehal's father says he has passion for cricket so I never stopped him. When a child makes his hobby his profession, I don't think we should stop him.
Recalling an incident, he says- 'Nehal must have been 9-10 years old, his cricket kit was left in the car after returning from training. After freshening up he asked me where is the cricket kit, I said it is in the trunk of the car, you have to go for training tomorrow. He got angry at this. Nehal said to his father-
When you guys come from office, you bring your stuff indoors and keep it, then why my cricket kit will stay outside.
He did not leave practice even in Corona, going to Lohara 15 km away Nehal's father says- 'During the Corona period we got a chance to know Nehal's passion for cricket. During the lockdown, when everything was closed, he used to practice in Lohara, 15 km away. Not only this, he always worked on fitness at home.'
big shot games; Colleagues named him UV Nehal is a left-handed batsman, he also bowls spin. He has bowled for the state in the Under-19s, though he is yet to get an opportunity to bowl in the IPL.
Father Kamal said that everyone used to call him UV after watching his game. Coach Charanjit Bhangu also says that Nehal hits long sixes and is left-handed like Yuvraj and bats in the middle order like him. That is why he came to be known as UV in Punjab. Sachin and Virat are Nehal's favorite players.
Father said – Mother's contribution is the most Kamal says that if anyone has contributed to Nehal's journey, it is his grandfather and mother. My father used to take him to practice. Along with handling office work, Nehal's mother used to take him to watch matches. She was responsible for taking care of her diet.
He also stopped going to parties for Nehal. Visits to relatives also reduced. Had to listen to the taunts of many relatives and friends. She did not care and continued to sacrifice for her son.
The coach said – he learns very quickly His childhood coach Charanjit Bhangu says he is a very quick learner and what I told him he implemented in his game. Whenever a player did this, he immediately attracted attention. After practice, he would come to my room and ask for suggestions to improve my game. He used to carry his bat everywhere, so that he could practice.
The coach said that once I was the assistant coach of the Punjab cricket team in the Under-19 National Championship. Nehal was also in the team. He faced some problems in batting. At 12 midnight someone knocked on my door. I saw that Nehal was outside and had a bat in his hand. I asked what happened. He said, sir, there is a problem with the bat and I don't understand, there is a match tomorrow, so I have come to you.
Nehal's childhood coach Charanjit Bhangu says he was a very fast learner.
Nehal's IPL career…
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
