Dhoni promised an Adivasi cricketer an IPL entry for CSK!
Adivasi Cricketer in IPL: On the December 19, 2023 mini-auction leading up to IPL 2024, the fortunes of several uncapped players soared, including the remarkable journey of Robin Minz, a young cricketer hailing from Jharkhand. With a base price of 20 lakhs, Robin became a millionaire within minutes, catching the attention of the Gujarat Titans, the IPL 2021 champions, who secured him a substantial 3.6 crore INR.
Francis Xavier Minz, Robin’s father and a retired army man working as a security guard at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport, shared a heartwarming moment when he learned about his son’s IPL acquisition. A CISF jawan congratulated him, saying, ‘Francis sir, you’ve become a millionaire.’
Notably, Robin Minz’s father revealed a promise made by none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Dhoni assured him, ‘If no one takes him, we will.’ Despite a bidding war between the Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, Robin landed with Gujarat for a significant amount of 3.6 crores and 60 lakhs.
During a recent meeting with Dhoni at the airport, the 48-year-old retired army man shared Dhoni’s words: ‘Francis ji, if no one takes him, we will.’ Robin Minz, originating from the Telangana village in the Gumla district of Jharkhand, represents the Adivasi community.
Robin’s father, Francis Minz, formerly involved in athletics and securing an army job due to his sporting achievements, moved the family to Ranchi during his army service. Under his guidance, Robin developed a passion for cricket. As he aspires to follow in the footsteps of MS Dhoni, Robin Minz’s journey stands as a personal triumph and a symbol of hope for aspiring cricketers, especially those from diverse backgrounds.