In the heart of Indian cricket, where dreams often wrestle with relentless challenges, Mohit Jangra emerges as a beacon of resilience and raw talent. A left-arm fast bowler with a knack for gritty lower-order batting, Mohit has carved an inspiring path from the modest streets of Auchandi to the verge of cricketing stardom. At just 25, his story is a powerful blend of sacrifice, heartbreak, and an unyielding drive to honor his family’s dreams. In this exclusive Cric Insights interview, Mohit shares his emotional journey, his unbreakable spirit, and his exciting new chapter with a prestigious Elite Group Ranji team—a move that could finally showcase his brilliance as one of India’s most promising fast-bowling all-rounders.
A Humble Beginning
Born on September 27, 1999, in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, Mohit grew up in a world where every rupee counted. His father, originally from Delhi, had relocated there to run a small watch shop. Cricket wasn’t initially Mohit’s dream—it belonged to his elder brothers. Unable to pursue the sport themselves due to financial constraints, they poured their aspirations into their youngest sibling. “They decided I’d carry their dream,” Mohit recalls, a soft smile crossing his face. “At 11, I started playing with them in the streets, then joined an academy. The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Auchandi was far from home, and we couldn’t afford transport or fees. I’d walk or run there, sometimes hungry, but my coaches saw my passion. They waived my fees and given assurance for future support. That support, and my brothers’ belief, kept me going.”
Early Triumphs
Mohit’s dedication bore fruit early. His talent blazed through Uttar Pradesh’s age-group circuit, earning him a coveted spot in the India U-19 team. In 2018, he toured Sri Lanka, where his left-arm pace proved lethal, claiming 12 wickets in the ODI series and a standout five-wicket haul (5/72) in a Youth Test at Colombo. His disciplined bowling in the U-19 Asia Cup that year, including a tight 1/18 in the final, helped India clinch the title. Mohit was a star in the making, his performances electrifying and full of promise.
Overcoming Heartbreak
But life tested Mohit’s resolve in the cruelest way. During the U-19 camp for the Sri Lanka tour, he received devastating news: his younger brother had passed away in a bike accident. “It was the darkest moment of my life,” Mohit says, his voice trembling. “I rushed home, heartbroken. My family was shattered, but they told me, ‘The one who had to go is gone. You play—for him, for us.’ Their words carried me back to camp.” When he claimed those five wickets in Sri Lanka, Mohit looked to the sky, dedicating them to his brother. “Every ball I bowl, every run I score—it’s for him. He’s my strength. Cricket became my way to keep his memory alive.”
A Bold Move to Mizoram
Mohit’s resilience is awe-inspiring. After his U-19 heroics, he debuted for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2018-19), Vijay Hazare Trophy (2019), and Ranji Trophy (2019, against Karnataka). But opportunities were scarce in UP’s competitive setup, prompting a bold move to Mizoram in 2023 to secure regular game time in the Plate Group. “I wasn’t getting enough matches in UP, despite performing in nets,” Mohit explains. “I needed to play to grow. Mizoram gave me that chance, and I grabbed it.”
Stellar Domestic Performances
Grab it, he did. Over two Ranji seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25), Mohit amassed 719 runs at an average of 35.95, including a century, and claimed 62 wickets at an average of 24.38, with a best of 5/45. These numbers cement his status as one of domestic cricket’s finest fast-bowling all-rounders. In 2024, he also played league cricket in England with Highfield CC, excelling with bat and ball. Yet, the lack of selection for the Duleep Trophy stung. “Playing in the Plate Group often means your efforts are overlooked,” Mohit admits. “That’s why my next chapter is so exciting.”
Shining in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Mohit’s brilliance extended to the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he shone for Mizoram, finishing among the top run-scorers with 296 runs in 7 matches (average 74, strike rate 151), including multiple fifties. His left-arm pace fetched crucial wickets, and his fielding was nothing short of spectacular, with a game-changing catch against Punjab stealing the spotlight. His stints as a net bowler for Punjab Kings (2021) and Delhi Capitals further sharpened his skills, exposing him to elite competition. “SMAT was a high—scoring, bowling, fielding, it all clicked,” Mohit beams. “That Punjab game, with wickets and that catch, felt unreal. Being a net bowler for PBKS and DC showed me what top-level cricket demands. The IPL is a dream, but consistency is my focus now.”
A New Chapter in the Elite Group
As Mohit prepares for the 2025-26 domestic season, he stands on the cusp of a defining moment. He’s set to join a respected Elite Group Ranji team, a move that could finally give his talent the recognition it deserves. “I’m ready to prove I belong at the highest level,” he says, his eyes gleaming with determination. “No more being undervalued. This is my chance to shine.”
A Dream Worth Fighting For
Mohit’s journey—from running to practice on empty streets to dedicating wickets to his late brother—reveals a character forged in adversity. His performances are staggering: over 700 runs and 62 wickets in two Ranji seasons, a blazing SMAT campaign, and electric fielding. Yet, it’s his heart that truly sets him apart. As India’s Test team searches for a fast-bowling all-rounder—especially a left-arm pacer who can swing the ball and contribute with the bat—Mohit fits the mold perfectly. His pace, variations, and batting grit make him a rare gem.
When asked about his ultimate goal, Mohit’s passion shines through. “Tests are where I want to make my mark,” he says, grinning with resolve. “I’ve got the skills—pace, swing, and the ability to bat under pressure. Everything I’ve faced—poverty, loss, setbacks—has made me tougher. I’m playing for my family, my brother, and every kid from a small town with big dreams. I’m ready to wear that India jersey and make them proud.”
A Hero in the Making
Mohit Jangra’s story is more than a cricketing tale; it’s a saga of tenacity, love, and sacrifice. His performances mark him as a prodigious talent, but his character—shaped by unwavering family support and an unbreakable spirit—makes him extraordinary. As he embarks on this new innings with an Elite Group Ranji team, the cricketing world should watch closely. The Jangra family’s unfinished dream rests on Mohit’s shoulders, and he carries it with grace, grit, and a fire to conquer the biggest stages. Indian cricket may have found its next hero in this remarkable young man.
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