Almost 180 players are part of the current Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025. Out of them, less than 15 have played or are playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. One of those few is Hrithik Shokeen, who has shared the Mumbai Indians (MI) dressing room with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and others.
He was just 21 years old back then and MI used him as an off-spinner who can bat. Fast forward now, he is one of the marquee names in one of the best state-run franchise leagues. Shokeen, who has represented MI 13 times across IPL 2022 and IPL 2023, revealed what went through his mind while getting along the legends of the game. He is often criticised for carrying an attitude, something that the 25-year-old calls “confidence”.
Back in IPL 2023, Shokeen got in a heated moment when he dismissed Nitish Rana in an IPL game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Incidentally, now, the two are sharing great camaraderie on the field, playing for the West Delhi Lions. Below is an excerpt from Shokeen’s candid chat with InsideSport on the sidelines of DPL 2025.
Hrithik Shokeen on his experiences
- Q. Hello, Hrithik. Thanks for speaking to InsideSport. First, tell me how you are in the middle of the season, what is going on, how is the mood in the camp?
“Mood is quite good, right now we have won 3 matches out of six matches (now it is 4 out of 7), there are a lot of positive things. Camp in the mood is positive.”
- Q. So last year you were the captain of the West Delhi Lions, but this year you are playing as a player, so what is the mindset in that? What changes will happen in the approach?
“Last year, a lot of things had to be managed about that. And this year I think I am free of mind because Nitish Bhaiya has given me that role. So I think that this time I am playing more freely than last year.”
- Q. Now you have touched upon playing freely. Last year also your performance was good, the team could not do well, that is a different matter. But this year we are seeing that there is an addition in your batting; how have you worked that out?
“There’s a ground named HCA in Chawla. Since last year, I have been practicing there and Jitesh bhaiya (his coach) and Ronauk bhaiya have helped me a lot. So I think that has improved my batting quite a lot.”
- Q. You are one of the few players in the DPL who has played in the IPL as well. You have represented Mumbai Indians (MI) for two seasons. Do you want to share some experience playing there?
“You get a lot of experience when you play at the highest level. That adds value not just in DPL but wherever I will play. I will always feel that I can perform because I have played in the IPL.”
- Q. But you haven’t been picked in the IPL in last two seasons. Has it impacted your determination and your confidence? And how would you improve your game keeping that in mind?
“I think I have always been a hard worker. My ethics have been the same irrespective of whether I am getting picked or not. We, as individuals, should always work hard and be focused. Be focused of everything that is coming you way. Currently we are in the middle of the DPL and then comes the domestic season. I don’t think much about selection but my focus remains on the next assignment.”
Rapid-Fire Segment with Hrithik Shokeen
- Q. Off-spinner or a finisher?
A. Finisher. - Q. Bowling or fielding – which department do you feel you have more of an edge in?
A. Fielding - Q. Favourite T20 wicket
A. Jos Buttler - Q. Biggest IPL memory?
A. The biggest would be when I met Sachin Sir for the first time in the MI camp. I walked up and went to touch his feet because he is the ‘God of Cricket’ but he denied and said, ‘Don’t touch my feet.’ But I replied that I have promised my father to touch your feet whenever I meet you. - Q. How was it to meet the likes of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav?
A. They never treated me like a newcomer. They treated me like their brother and quite respectfully. So that was the best thing. - Q. What is your motivational mantra during bad times?
A. If you can play well, I don’t think there’s anything like a bad time. It is always learning time. - Q. One area where you want to improve
A. Well, many people feel that I have an attitude problem. They think I am egoistic. But, I don’t think that way. But even if they think like that, then that’s not arrogance, that is confidence.
- Q. Best bowler you have faced?
A. Jasprit Bumrah. - Q. Who has been your role model?
A. I don’t particularly have any cricketing role model. But I have always idolised my father. I want to be the person that he is. And I want to be just myself as a cricketer. - Q. One thing you want to steal from Rohit Sharma, Bumrah and Virat Kohli!
A. I would probably steal Rohit Sharma’s attitude. He has a terrific attitude. A carefree one. From Bumrah, it would be his confidence. Because I can never have their skills. And lastly from Virat Bhaiya, I would probably want his looks! He is quite a smart guy.
