The Indian Premier League has once again proven its reputation as a life-altering platform for emerging talent. The latest heartwarming story is that of Onkar Tarmale, a 23-year-old right-arm pacer from a quiet hamlet near Mumbai, whose years of struggle were rewarded when Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for Rs 30 lakh at the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
A Dream Bid After Just Two Overs
The path to this monumental contract was far from smooth. During the Sunrisers Hyderabad trials, Tarmale could bowl only two overs before a hamstring injury forced him to stop. Despite this severe limitation, his raw pace left a lasting impression on SRH bowling coach and former India pacer, Varun Aaron. "He told me, 'I see something different in you which can be developed. You have the potential,'" Tarmale revealed. He admitted he never expected a bid after such a truncated trial, making the eventual offer a stunning surprise.
Sacrifice and Celebration in Shere Village
The news triggered an unforgettable celebration in his village, Shere in Shahapur taluka, located about 60 kilometres from Mumbai. The night was filled with processions and firecrackers. "More people turned up to celebrate my success than a marriage function. It is a huge thing for our village," Tarmale said, overwhelmed by the support from his own and adjoining communities.
This moment was the culmination of immense family sacrifice. His father, Tukaram, a small-time farmer, had mortgaged gold jewellery and taken loans to fund his son's cricket dream. "My family has sacrificed a lot for me. This is huge for us financially as well," Tarmale stated emotionally. He recalled his father's unwavering wish to see him play in the IPL, a dream now fulfilled.
The Long Road From Tennis Ball to Leather
Tarmale's cricketing journey began with the ubiquitous tennis ball. The shift to serious leather-ball cricket came relatively late, at age 18, on the advice of his coach, Narendra Diwane. "Previously, I used to run in and just bowl fast. He fine-tuned my action and moulded me into a proper pacer," Tarmale explained. He then endured years of toil in Mumbai's dusty maidans, playing in lower divisions without recognition.
The financial strain almost ended his career in 2024. A heartfelt conversation with his father led to suggestions of seeking a stable job, like in the police force. However, his father never forced the decision. "They left it to me. Deep down I knew that opportunity was just around the corner. I asked them for some more time to crack it," said the pacer, who now represents Sindh SC and BPCL.
Dhawal Kulkarni's Pivotal Intervention
The turning point arrived during the 2025 T20 Mumbai League. Mentor and former India pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, noting Tarmale's potential, recommended him to the Thane Eagle Strikers. "Dhawal Sir spoke to my father about my potential and told him to let me play. After that, my father was convinced," Tarmale shared. Although a finger fracture limited him to just two matches, his speed—consistently around 140 kmph and peaking at 145 kmph—caught the scouts' attention, earning him the IPL trial. Under Kulkarni's guidance, he has expanded his repertoire to include yorkers and slower balls.
True to his dedicated character, after the village celebrations ended at 4 am, Tarmale was back training at the Mumbai Cricket Association's BKC facility early the next morning. For him, the IPL selection is not the final destination but "just another pit stop" on a journey he is determined to continue with even greater focus.
