In a tale that perfectly captures the modern digital age, a 20-year-old leg-spinner from Karnataka has scripted a remarkable entry into professional cricket. Izaz Sawariya, hailing from Bidar, has secured a coveted spot in the IPL 2026 auction list, not through traditional domestic circuits, but via the unconventional and viral path of Instagram reels.
The Social Media Breakthrough
Sawariya's mornings transformed when England's star spinner, Adil Rashid, began engaging with his bowling videos on Instagram. This validation from an international cricketer provided the momentum that ultimately led to his official inclusion. He is listed as number 265 in the uncapped spinners' section for the upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi. This marks a significant milestone for the young bowler, who has no state-level or recognized league experience to his name.
His cricket journey, shaped entirely by social media exposure, began at the Vijay Cricket Club in 2017. Initially a fast bowler, he switched to leg-spin on his coaches' advice. Despite his dedication, he couldn't break into Karnataka's Under-15 team, leading him to relocate to Jaipur in 2022 to connect with his Rajasthan roots.
Struggles and the Instagram Pivot
In Jaipur, training at the Sanskar Cricket Academy under coach Surendra Singh Rathore, Sawariya faced a harsh reality. "The first two years were very hard. I was part of the district setup, but I didn't get chances to play. Even last year, I wasn't given opportunities," he admitted. Frustrated by the lack of playing time, he turned to Instagram as a platform to showcase his talent.
"I thought of posting my reels. One reel after practice, almost daily. That became my routine," Sawariya explained. His consistent posting paid off spectacularly when Adil Rashid took notice. "He started commenting on my reels. That's when I felt I really had something. He told me I was very good and complimented my bowling. That gave me a lot of confidence," he shared.
From Viral Reels to Professional Trials
The attention from Rashid acted as a catalyst, attracting the eyes of cricket professionals and scouts. His profile drew interest from former Punjab Kings bowling coach Sunil Joshi and scouts from the Chennai Super Kings. This digital fame translated into a real-world opportunity when Punjab Kings invited him for trials in Lucknow. "I impressed them, they liked me," Sawariya said about the successful trial.
Acknowledging the uniqueness of his path, Sawariya stated, "No one has gone like this before. I think I might be the first player to go from social media to the IPL auction. It feels good that I've started a trend." He credits his family's unwavering support, especially his father, who serves with the 27th Squadron (Jaguar) in Gorakhpur, and his elder sister's financial backing, for his perseverance.
Currently residing in a paying-guest accommodation in Jaipur, Sawariya maintains a disciplined routine of morning practice and gym sessions. While he admires Ravi Bishnoi and has an affinity for CSK and MS Dhoni, his personal goal remains heartfelt and modest: "I just want to build a house for my parents with my own money." As he awaits the results of the IPL auction, Izaz Sawariya stands as a symbol for a new generation of athletes leveraging social media to carve out professional opportunities.
