‘India’s Bench Strength World’s Best After T20 World Cup Triumph, IPL to Boost Himachal Youth’- IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal

IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal has claimed that India’s bench strength is the world’s finest, and it was apparent in the T20 World Cup 2026 victory.

Speaking at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, during an informal interaction with the students and faculty of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dhumal also credited BCCI and state associations for building dominance from Under-19 to senior levels.

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Dhumal was in the HPCA stadium to inspect the ground pitch and outfield preparations ahead of much anticipated IPL 2026 tournament.
After he reviewed the preparations, Dhumal was invited by the students and faculty of CUHP to join their podcast Dhauldhar Dialogues-CUHP Sanwad, which was being recorded in the premises of the HPCA stadium.

When asked to comment on the future prospects of aspiring and budding cricketers in Himachal, Dhumal, who also helms the Women’s Premier League(WPL) said more avenues and facilities are giving a big boost to the young talent from the hill state.

“ IPL camps are proving to be a boon for Himachal youth. Net sessions with stars like Pat Cummins and Jos Buttler boost confidence, technique, mental balance under pressure, and international fitness—elevating domestic performance.”

Satisfied with the pitch quality, he highlighted IPL’s role in boosting the local economy and tourism.

When asked to comment on the future prospects of aspiring and budding cricketers and state youth’s contribution to international cricket, he said.

“Talents like Renuka Singh Thakur, Rishi Dhawan, Vaibhav Arora, Sushma Verma, and Mayank Dagar have shone internationally,”, he said.
Himachal has begun to contribute significantly to Cricket and other sports, and our young talent has a promising future, he said.

Later, Arun Dhumal congratulated the students of journalism and the faculty for their unique initiative of launching Dhauladhar Dialogues, being produced by the department.

Dhauladhar Dialogues-CUHP Sanwad is a fortnightly interactive programme being produced by the CUHP in collaboration with Doordarshan Himachal.

The programme, which talks about burning issues and career opportunities for youngsters in Himachal on Doordarshan Himachal has evoked a warm response all over the state.