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From obscurity to IPL spotlight, How the Bengal Pro T20 league rewrote Brijesh Sharma’s destiny

Once a nameless fast bowler drifting through the cricketing backwaters of Jammu & Kashmir, Brijesh Sharma’s rise to the IPL stage is anything but conventional.

By Sohini Bhattacharyya

Apr 29, 2026 15:21 IST

For most of his early career, Brijesh Sharma existed on the fringes, playing age-group cricket in Jammu & Kashmir with little exposure. Unlike conventional pathways, he didn’t climb steadily through domestic circuits. Instead, his journey was scattered, uncertain, and driven by survival more than structure.

The turning point

Everything changed when Sharma found an opportunity in the Bengal Pro T20 League. The league, often overlooked in mainstream cricket discourse, became his proving ground.

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Here, he wasn’t just another fast bowler; he was a standout. His ability to vary pace, nail yorkers, and handle pressure situations caught attention. More importantly, the league gave him something he never truly had before: match exposure and visibility. In a format where performance speaks instantly, Sharma’s spells began to travel beyond local circuits, reaching scouts and franchises.

Mentorship and migration

Before his Bengal stint, advice from Abdul Samad pushed Sharma to train in Delhi. That move exposed him to a more competitive environment, but it was still the Bengal league that allowed him to translate training into tangible performances. Kolkata became more than just a stop; it became the launchpad.

IPL breakthrough with Rajasthan Royals

From being a wildcard entry to earning a spot in the Rajasthan Royals setup, Sharma’s rise has been swift. What stands out is the contrast: having entered the IPL without prior competitive match experience at a high level, yet he looks like a seasoned T20 bowler. His control over death overs and composure under pressure reflect the intensity and lessons learned in Bengal’s league circuit.

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The Bengal Pro T20 League didn’t just refine his skills; it gave him identity. In a cricket ecosystem dominated by established domestic tournaments, Sharma’s story highlights how alternative leagues can serve as equalisers, offering late bloomers a real chance.

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