Vaibhav Arora’s journey from the bustling streets of Ambala to the high-pressure stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to determination and talent. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate steep bounce, Vaibhav has established himself as a promising pace bowler in Indian cricket. His consistent performances in domestic cricket and IPL have drawn attention, making him one of the players to watch in the coming years.
Early Life and Background
Vaibhav Arora was born on December 14, 1997, in Ambala, Haryana. He grew up in a modest household, where his father ran a small dairy business. As a child, Vaibhav juggled cricket and helping his father with daily chores, such as delivering milk and taking care of cattle.
Vaibhav’s family includes his parents, Gopal Arora and Mamta Setia Arora, who supported his passion for cricket despite financial constraints. He completed his education at Chandigarh University, pursuing a dual degree (BA + BEd) while also representing the university in cricket tournaments.
Journey to Becoming a Cricketer
Vaibhav initially represented Punjab in junior cricket. However, limited opportunities led him to shift to Himachal Pradesh in 2018, where he found a platform to showcase his talent. The move to Himachal Pradesh proved fruitful. Vaibhav worked tirelessly to hone his skills, and his efforts paid off when he made his debut for the state team in 2019 during the Ranji Trophy season.
Domestic Cricket Career
Vaibhav made an impressive first-class debut against Saurashtra in December 2019. He took six wickets in his first innings, including the prized scalp of Cheteshwar Pujara, and finished the match with figures of 9/105.
In February 2021, Vaibhav debuted in List-A cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He became the first bowler to take a hat-trick on debut, a feat that remains a highlight of his career.
Vaibhav’s T20 debut came in January 2021 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His ability to contain runs with an economy rate of 7.41 in the high-scoring tournament made him stand out.
Rise Through IPL
Vaibhav’s IPL journey began in 2020 when Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) recruited him as a net bowler. Bowling against seasoned players like KL Rahul and Chris Gayle boosted his confidence.
In the 2021 IPL auction, Vaibhav was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 20 lakh. After being released in 2022, he was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 2 crore before returning to KKR for the 2023 season.
In IPL 2024, Vaibhav played 10 matches, claiming 11 wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Travis Head in the final. His consistent performances helped KKR reach the playoffs.
Vaibhav’s ability to swing the ball in both directions makes him a potent threat to batsmen. His height allows him to extract extra bounce, adding to his effectiveness.
Notable Achievements
- First-Class Success Against Cheteshwar Pujara: Dismissing one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen on debut is a feather in Vaibhav’s cap.
- Record-Breaking Hat-Trick in List-A: Achieving a hat-trick in his debut List-A match showcased his natural talent and ability to perform under pressure.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Vaibhav’s net worth is estimated at Rs 2 crore, derived primarily from his IPL contracts and domestic cricket earnings. Despite his humble beginnings, Vaibhav now enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, including owning a few luxury assets. His endorsements add to his growing income.
Interesting Facts About Vaibhav Arora
- He used to help his father deliver milk and take care of cattle before pursuing cricket full-time.
- Vaibhav took six wickets, including Cheteshwar Pujara’s, on his first-class debut.
- He is the first bowler to achieve a hat-trick on a List-A debut.
- Known for his ability to swing the ball, Vaibhav is also effective with his bouncers.
- He transitioned from a net bowler to a key IPL player within a few years.
Impact of IPL on Vaibhav’s Career
The IPL has been instrumental in shaping Vaibhav’s career, providing exposure to international players and high-pressure situations. Playing alongside stars like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell has accelerated his growth.
Given his consistent performances, Vaibhav is a strong contender to get a high bid in the upcoming IPL mega auction. His ability to swing the ball could make him an asset in Test and limited-overs formats.
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