Introduction: The Spell That Defied Age
On April 10, 2023, Kulwant Khejroliya, a 31-year-old left-arm pacer from Rajasthan, stood at the crease in Indore during a Ranji Trophy match. Defending 5 runs in the final over against Mumbai, he delivered a searing yorker to dismiss Shams Mulani, securing Madhya Pradesh’s semifinal berth. That moment wasn’t just a win—it was a triumph for every late bloomer. Today, Khejroliya is a domestic workhorse, an IPL journeyman, and proof that age is just a number. This blog unravels the journey of a man who swapped factory shifts for cricket spikes.
Early Life and Background: From Rajasthan’s Dusty Fields to Mumbai’s Grind
Born on December 13, 1991, in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Kulwant Khejroliya grew up in a family of farmers. Financial constraints forced him to abandon cricket at 18. He moved to Mumbai, working 12-hour shifts at a chemical factory while playing tennis-ball cricket at night. At 24, coach Surendra Bhave spotted his raw pace in a local tournament and convinced him to return to professional cricket.
Key Early Milestones
- 2016: Debuted for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at 25.
- 2018: Shifted to Madhya Pradesh, taking 27 wickets in his debut Ranji season.
- 2021: Became the oldest Indian uncapped player to earn an IPL bid (aged 30).
Domestic Career: Madhya Pradesh’s Resilient Warrior
Khejroliya’s left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball late made him a domestic stalwart.
Domestic Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 34 | 112 | 26.40 | 3.15 | 7/48 vs Bengal (2023) |
| List A | 28 | 43 | 28.90 | 4.95 | 5/32 vs Tamil Nadu (2022) |
| T20s | 49 | 57 | 21.80 | 7.80 | 4/15 vs Punjab (2024) |
Source: BCCI Domestic Records
Notable Achievements
- 2022 Ranji Trophy: 39 wickets at 22.10, MP’s leading wicket-taker.
- 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy: 14 wickets at 20.50, key to MP’s semifinal run.
- 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Economy of 7.10, best among uncapped Indian pacers.
IPL Journey: From Royal Challengers Bangalore to Kolkata Knight Riders
Khejroliya’s IPL career began in 2018 when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) signed him for ₹85 lakh. Despite limited chances, his domestic consistency kept him in the mix.
IPL Career Stats (2018–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 3 | 2 | 9.75 | Debut vs CSK (1/23) |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2 | 1 | 10.20 | Benched post injury |
| 2024 | Unsold | – | – | – | Focused on domestic cricket |
IPL 2025 Salary (Projected): ₹20–30 lakh (Sources: Cricbuzz Auction Analysis)
Recent Career Highlights (2023–2024)
- Ranji Trophy 2023/24: 28 wickets at 24.60, including a match-winning 6/52 vs Gujarat.
- Deodhar Trophy 2024: 9 wickets in 5 games, Central Zone’s standout bowler.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali 2024: Dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi in a single spell.
Net Worth and Endorsements: The Steady Grind
At 32, Khejroliya’s net worth is estimated at ₹2–3 crore ($240,000–360,000), driven by:
- Cricket Earnings: ₹1.5 crore (IPL salaries + domestic contracts).
- Endorsements: ₹30–50 lakh (deals with SG Cricket, MP Tourism, and Jhunjhunu Farmers’ Collective).
- Investments: Co-owns a cricket academy in Indore and a small agri-business in Rajasthan.
Endorsement Portfolio
| Brand | Deal Type | Since |
|---|---|---|
| SG Cricket | Ball Sponsorship | 2022 |
| MP Tourism | Campaign Ambassador | 2023 |
| Jhunjhunu Farmers’ Collective | Social Initiative Partner | 2024 |
Personal Life: The Family Man with a Leather Ball
Khejroliya’s off-field life is anchored by his wife Priyanka, a schoolteacher, and their son. He credits his late father’s advice—“Keep bowling, son”—for his perseverance. A fitness enthusiast, he follows a strict regimen of yoga and organic farming. His Instagram (@kulwant.khejroliya) blends rural Rajasthan landscapes, training clips, and motivational quotes.
Future Prospects: The Mentor’s Role
With age against him, Khejroliya eyes a transition to coaching while playing domestically.
What’s Next?
- 2024/25 Season: Target: 50+ wickets across formats.
- Coaching: Launch a pace-bowling clinic for late bloomers in MP.
- Global Leagues: Explore opportunities in Minor League T20 (USA) or Nepal T20.
Conclusion: The Unyielding Spirit of a Cricket Journeyman
Kulwant Khejroliya’s story isn’t about glamour—it’s grit personified. From factory floors to Ranji heroics, he’s cricket’s quiet rebel. As IPL 2025 looms, Khejroliya isn’t chasing auctions; he’s proving that passion outlasts timelines. Whether mentoring kids or swinging the ball, he’s a testament to resilience—a reminder that dreams have no expiry date.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
