In a tournament as dazzling as the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), the spotlight typically shines brightest on million-dollar signings and global superstars. Yet, every so often, a relatively unknown player, once just another name in the practice nets—seizes the opportunity to shine on the main stage. Over the years, the IPL has witnessed inspiring journeys where humble net bowlers have risen to prominence, showing that true talent often begins away from the limelight.
Let’s revisit five remarkable stories where a Net Bowler Became the Star of the Season- complete with real stats, breakthrough moments, and the lasting impact they made.
5. T. Natarajan – From SRH Net Bowler to Yorker King (IPL 2020)
The Journey:
- Role before breakthrough: Net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Debut: IPL 2017 (KXIP), but re-emerged in 2020 with SRH
- Chance given due to injuries to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and other pacers
Impact in IPL 2020:
- Wickets: 16 wickets in 16 matches
- Economy Rate: 8.02
- Best Bowling: 3/30
- Yorker Count: 71 yorkers — most in a single IPL season (according to ESPNcricinfo)
Natarajan transformed from merely a left-arm pacer into India’s trusted specialist for the death overs. His standout performances that season earned him a spot on the national squad for the Australia tour, where he went on to make his debut across all three formats of the game. Earning the spot among the A Net Bowler Became the Star of the Season.
4. Umran Malik – The Speed Sensation From the Nets (IPL 2021)
The Journey:
- Role before breakthrough: Net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Came in for: T. Natarajan (COVID-positive)
Impact in IPL 2021:
- Matches: 3
- Wickets: 2
- Economy: 8.00
- Highlight: Clocked 153 km/h against RCB — fastest delivery of the season
Although his 2021 stint was short-lived, his raw, fiery pace turned heads. By the 2022 season, he had cemented his place in the Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup, claiming 22 wickets and breaking into the Indian national team. Umran’s journey—from net bowler to national sensation—is the kind of success story only the IPL can script. Making in the list of A Net Bowler Became the Star of the Season
3. Mukesh Choudhary – CSK’s Silent Warrior (IPL 2022)
The Journey:
- Role before breakthrough: CSK net bowler; spotted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Chance given due to: Injury to Deepak Chahar (₹14 crore buy)
Impact in IPL 2022:
- Wickets: 16 in 13 matches
- Best Bowling: 4/46
- Powerplay wickets: 11 — among the top 5 in that phase
- Economy in powerplay: ~7.4
Despite Chennai Super Kings enduring a disappointing season, Mukesh provided a silver lining for the fans. His left-arm swing bowling evoked memories of a young Zaheer Khan, and his impressive performances helped him establish a strong presence in the domestic circuit afterward. One of the A Net Bowler Became the Star of the Season.
2. Akash Madhwal – MI’s Mathematical Masterstroke (IPL 2023)
The Journey:
- Background: A civil engineer from Uttarakhand, a net bowler for MI
- Recommended by: Wasim Jaffer
- Chance given due to: Injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer
Impact in IPL 2023:
- Matches: 8
- Wickets: 14
- Best Bowling: 5/5 vs LSG in Eliminator — best figures by an uncapped player in IPL playoffs
- Economy: 8.3
Akash’s composure in high-pressure moments and pinpoint accuracy during the death overs left even experienced batters baffled. His spell against LSG stood out as one of the most memorable performances in IPL playoff history. The buzz around him skyrocketed, and he’s now firmly on the selectors’ radar for India’s T20 setup. One of A Net Bowler Became the Star of the Season.
1. Yash Dayal – The Quiet Performer for Gujarat Titans (IPL 2022)
The Journey:
- Role before breakthrough: Net bowler for multiple franchises
- Picked by: Gujarat Titans for ₹3.2 crore at the 2022 auction
Impact in IPL 2022:
- Wickets: 11 in 9 matches
- Best Bowling: 3/40
- Key Role: Trusted in death overs by Hardik Pandya
Although Dayal grabbed attention in 2023 for being on the receiving end of Rinku Singh’s five sixes, it was the 2022 season that marked his true breakout. Playing a key role in Gujarat Titans’ inaugural title triumph, he delivered under pressure and proved his mettle. His rise—from net practice to high-stakes moments—stands as a testament to the value of backing homegrown talent. One of A Net Bowler Became the Star of the Season.
Conclusion
The IPL is more than glitz and sixes—it’s a platform for hidden stories and quiet determination. While stars grab headlines, net bowlers grind in the shadows, perfecting their craft without fanfare. These five stories show that with the right break, talent can rise from the nets to the national stage, proving that no effort is ever truly unseen.
Read More: Top 5 Most Impactful Last-Minute Replacements in IPL History
FAQ`s
Q1: How do net bowlers contribute to IPL teams?
A: Net bowlers play a crucial role in helping main bowlers prepare by simulating different batting techniques and conditions. Their relentless practice often goes unnoticed, but they help improve the team’s overall performance, particularly by challenging batters during practice sessions.
Q2: How did Umran Malik’s net bowling contribute to his IPL success?
A: Umran Malik, initially a net bowler, impressed with his raw pace during training sessions. By the 2022 IPL season, he had become a regular for SRH, picking up 22 wickets and earning a spot in the Indian T20 squad. His story shows how a net bowler’s breakout can create a sensation.
Q3: What impact did Natarajan’s net bowling have on his IPL journey?
A: Natarajan’s consistent performance as a net bowler in the IPL helped him earn the role of a death overs specialist for India. His rise from net sessions to representing India during their Australia tour in 2021 is a prime example of how hard work behind the scenes can lead to national recognition.