Bihar’s growing influence on Indian cricket should eventually translate into an IPL franchise of its own, according to Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Resources, writing on X, as the billionaire industrialist called for greater recognition and investment in the state’s cricket ecosystem. Agarwal’s comments come at a time when Bihar-born players are increasingly making their mark across the IPL and domestic cricket structure.
क्या आपको नहीं लगता Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians और Kolkata Knight Riders की तरह बेमिसाल बिहार की भी एक टीम होनी चाहिए?
बिहार की मिट्टी ने देश को बहुत से बेहतरीन क्रिकेट खिलाड़ी दिए हैं।
पटना में जन्मे ईशान किशन ने सबसे कम गेंदों में ODI double century लगाई। समस्तीपुर… pic.twitter.com/bgScCh40Zd
— Anil Agarwal (@AnilAgarwal_Ved) May 22, 2026
Bihar talent pipeline gains IPL spotlight
The discussion around Bihar’s cricketing identity has intensified following the emergence of several players from the state in recent seasons, including Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Saqib Hussain. Agarwal wrote: “Don’t you think Bihar deserves an unparalleled team of its own, just like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders?”
He added: “The soil of Bihar has given the country many exceptional cricketers.”
Agarwal’s remarks arrive amid a strong IPL season for Bihar-linked players. Suryavanshi has scored 583 runs in 14 matches this season at an average of 41.6, with a strike rate of 232.27 — currently the highest among all players — while also registering one century and three half-centuries. The Rajasthan Royals batter is fifth in the overall run-scoring charts and has struck 53 sixes alongside 50 boundaries during the campaign.
Ishan Kishan among Bihar players driving momentum
Kishan has also enjoyed a productive campaign for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 569 runs in 14 matches at an average of 40.6 and a strike rate of 178.36. The left-hander has registered six half-centuries this season and sits sixth in the tournament’s leading run-scorers list.
Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third in the standings with 18 points, while Rajasthan Royals secured fourth place with 16 points. The two teams are scheduled to face each other in Wednesday’s eliminator.
Highlighting Bihar’s contribution to Indian cricket, Agarwal wrote on X: “Ishan Kishan, born in Patna, scored the fastest ODI double century in terms of balls faced. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Samastipur became the youngest player to make an IPL debut. And today, the eyes of the entire world are on the brilliant bowling of Sakib Hussain, born into an ordinary family in Gopalganj.”
Calls for stronger infrastructure in Bihar cricket
Agarwal also linked Bihar’s long-term cricket ambitions to infrastructure and player development, arguing that young cricketers in the state require stronger support systems and opportunities closer to home.
“But one thing always bothers me: why hasn’t our Bihar yet earned the recognition and identity in cricket that we rightfully deserve?” he wrote.
The Vedanta Resources Chairman further stated: “It has always been my dream and endeavour to ensure that the youth of Bihar get full opportunities to excel in every field, and that our players receive world-class infrastructure and support right here in Bihar.”
Agarwal added: “I’m fully confident that if our children get the right inspiration and facilities, the team emerging from our Bihar will become the best in the world.”
Agarwal pledges support for Bihar cricket growth
The IPL expanded to 10 franchises in 2022 with the addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, although several major Indian regions still remain without representation in the league despite producing international and domestic talent.
Agarwal said he intends to continue supporting cricket development within Bihar and its player ecosystem. “And I stand firmly with the youth of Bihar in this effort. I will provide unconditional support from my side to advance Bihar’s cricket team and its players here.”
He concluded: “For me, Bihar is not just a state—it’s an emotion. And now the time has come for the talent of our soil to shine on the field.”
