Playing cricket in India is easy, but becoming a cricketer is not. It’s an arduous journey, and success is not guaranteed. However, Robin Minz has defied all odds and become the first tribal cricketer to get picked for the Indian Premier League (IPL). His father, Francis, proudly claims that his son’s achievement is worth mentioning in history books, as it not only showcases his talent but also breaks barriers and paves the way for other tribal players to follow their dreams.
Francis Xavier Minz, an ex-army man in Jharkhand, is proud of his 21-year-old son Robin, who has shown immense talent and passion for the game since a young age. Robin’s coaches also believe that he has the potential to make it big in the cricketing world. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, both his father and coaches are determined to support and guide Robin towards achieving his dream of becoming a successful cricketer, who knows nothing about ‘duniyadaari’ but cricket.
On December 19, when a host of players from across the globe were going under the hammer, Robin was one unknown name who not only stunned the auction arena in Dubai but also the viewers with the bidding war he sparked and the amount of money he ended up making. Chennai Super Kings were the first to raise the paddle and they countered Mumbai Indians pretty well. The moment CSK seemed to be getting their man, Gujarat Titans jumped into the race and acquired him for INR 3.6 crore. Thus, Robin became the first tribal (Adivasi) player to be picked to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
But more than the price tag, Robin’s parents are proud of their son for making it to the grand stage of cricket. They have put in the hard yards with a sense of nervousness just to see their son flourish, given the community he belongs to.
Speaking exclusively with News18 CricketNext, Francis believes what his son has achieved is nothing short of getting a mention in history, if ever it’s being written.
“For me, the biggest achievement is the opportunity he has got. People say nothing can happen without source or a support and they still say so. But what my son did, the level of cricket he made it to… that’s satisfaction for me,” Francis told CricketNext.
“I think, if history is ever being written, then Robin’s name would be written on the first page, isn’t it? Chaahe Jharkhand ho, ya fir pura desh, agar itihas ke pannon par koi likhega to mujhe lagta hai iss [Robin] ka naam zaroor likehga,” he added.
Francis, his wife Elis and one of their daughters, Karishma, were at their residence during the auction, eagerly waiting for Robin’s name to come on the table. While the father was praying to god, the mother and sister carried on with their endless conversation. And once Robin’s name was on screen, it was palpitations all around.
“We were excited, so much that I had to ask Robin’s mother and sister at times to be silent. And when his name finally came, it was pin-drop silent all around,” Francis said.
The Minz family has overcome multiple adversities and challenges to make Robin what he is today. And now that he has bagged a multi-million IPL deal, the money doesn’t excite the family at all.
“We have become crorepati, as it’s being shown in media, but it’s nothing like that. We have to make us realise that, ‘Oh yes, we have that much amount of money’.”
“We were frightened but still did a lot for our son. Neither we have heard nor seen a boy from the tribal community going to play cricket on a big stage. The fear and hope, we had both in our hearts all this while. So, now that he has bagged a multi-million deal, it doesn’t affect us,” Francis added.
Robin loved cricket since his childhood and Francis, who has been a strict father, discovered it pretty early which is why he let his son play the gentlemen’s game.
“Jab Khada hona seekha tabhi balla pakda. (He held the bat when he stood on his feet). He had a deep interest in cricket.
“He doesn’t know what roaming around even means. He doesn’t even get the market alone. Duniyadari ka kuch bhi nahi pata. But game ke bare mein puchiye, sab cheez batayega. (He knows nothing but cricket),” Francis said,
Robin an exceptional talent: Coaches
A left-hand batter and a wicketkeeper, Robin is a tall boy with a strong build. He trains at Sonnet Cricket Club in Ranchi under a trio of coaches and two of them spoke to CricketNext at length about the youngster who comes from Shimal village in Jharkhand’s Gumla district.
SP Gautam, a former Ranji Player from Bihar, met Robin in 2015-16 and could recognize his cricketing sense. Moreover, Gautam was more determined to push the 21-year-old to utilize his built and god-gifted power in cricket.
“People from the tribal community have a different kind of a build. They have a strong mind and body. They come from such a backward background that they get mentally stronger by the time they reach a certain level. So, we [coaches] wanted to use that,” Gautam told CricketNext.
Gautam, who was a wicketkeeper-batter himself, has helped Robin sharpen his skills behind the stumps. Asif Haque, one of his coaches who looks at his batting, credited Gautam for Robin’s evolution as a stumper.
“SP Gautam sir has helped Robin a lot. What should be the fitness of a keeper, how fit he should be, and what things a keeper can try… they discuss every minute detail about keeping wickets. Gautam sir’s presence has been an extra advantage for Robin,” Asif added.
Man of few words, lets his bat speak
“Hum aapse jitna baat kar rahe hain uska aadha bhi wo aapse nahi kar payega,” said Asif while speaking of Robin’s nature. He doesn’t like to speak much. His answers to the questions are limited to yes or no as he wants that his bat should do all the talking on the field.
“He is very quiet and speaks less. He says why should I talk when my bat can do that on the field. He likes to remain silent,” Gautam said.
Since Robin is a left-hander and a six-hitting menace in age-group cricket, people fondly call him ‘Jharkhand ka Gayle’.
“Cricket is a power game and Robin has that in abundance. He is a talented player which makes him different from others,” Asif said.
A disciplined student with a clear mind and heart
Robin is a leading example of an ideal student. Be it his training session or matches, he reaches the ground before time. If the coaches ask him to play defensive cricket, he doesn’t even dare play through the air.
“He is very much disciplined. If the call time is 7 AM, he will reach at 6:30. He is before time everywhere, be it matches or training,” Gautam added.
Speaking of his nature, Asif said Robin can’t lie or ditch anybody and shares a great bond with all his coaches.
“He respects his coaches. He is an honest boy. He never has any excuses for missing his training. Wo kisi ke saath fraud nahi kar sakta. He will never ditch you or bunk your training sessions. You just hand a plan and he will stick to that till the end of the session. He trusts us and listens to us thoroughly,” said coach Asif.
“Trust is a two-way process and it has to be there between a coach and his student,” he added.
The Dhoni Impact
Needless to say, what’s the aura of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) MS Dhoni in Ranchi? Every wicketkeeper-batter from the city of state idolizes the legendary cricketer and Robin’s story is no different.
But Gautam had some advice for the youngster – just play willfully and ‘Mahi Bhaiyya’ will himself come to you.
“Tum pareshan mat ho, Mahi bhaiya khud aayenge tumse milne ke liye.”
“If a player is good, the bigwigs keep their eyes on them and can sense the talent. They speak to them and share insights as well.
“So I told him to keep grinding. You will definitely meet Mahi Bhaiya and will play with him as well,” Gautam concluded.
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