The Dual Life of Anshuman Hooda: From DTU Engineer to DPL Purple Cap Winner
Anshuman Hooda, a 25-year-old graduate of Delhi Technological University, is currently balancing two vastly different worlds. By day, he works for the multinational firm EY, having recently received a promotion. By night, he is a fast bowler who recently concluded a breakout season in the 2026 Delhi Premier League, where he emerged as the Purple Cap winner with 22 wickets, playing a pivotal role in the South Delhi Superstarz's title victory.
His journey to professional cricket is highly unconventional. Unlike most contemporary cricketers, Hooda did not rise through the traditional junior ranks or play age-group cricket. His elder brother, Vikram Hooda, shares that their mother, Prem Lata Singh, who works as a primary school teacher at a Municipal Corporation of Delhi school, is pleased to see him pursue the sport now that he has established a stable professional career. Previously, his parents had emphasized the need for a secure job, which he secured through campus placements after studying Production and Industrial Engineering.
From Roller Skating to the Cricket Pitch
Before he ever bowled a leather cricket ball, Hooda was a national-level roller skater. Cricket was a part of his surroundings, but it was not his initial focus. He largely followed the academic path of his elder brother, Vikram, who studied science and engineering. However, Hooda's sporting path diverged when he entered college. It was during his university years that he began playing leather-ball cricket, discovering a passion for fast bowling, taking wickets, and the natural aggression associated with the role.
In 2019, cricket coach Harish Dagar, who runs the Delhi Cricket Hub academy in Paschim Vihar and trains students at Delhi Technological University, noticed Hooda playing tennis-ball cricket. Dagar was impressed by Hooda's natural physical attributes, including his fitness, arm speed, and body alignment. Although Hooda's initial attempts at medium-pace bowling were raw, Dagar recognized his athletic potential and encouraged him to develop his skills while warning him about the physical demands of fast bowling.
Balancing Corporate Work and Fast Bowling
Juggling a demanding corporate job and the physical rigors of fast bowling proved highly challenging. After graduating in 2023, Hooda joined EY, working from home, which allowed him some flexibility. However, his schedule remained intense, often requiring him to attend practice sessions at night and fit in gym workouts around his professional duties. Dagar focused heavily on Hooda's mental strength, advising him not to feel burdened by the hectic routine.
Fast bowling requires significant physical effort, as the body must absorb the impact of landing after accelerating. To support Hooda's development, Dagar structured a program focusing on periodisation, rest, strength training, workload management, diet, and physiotherapy. Hooda also worked on developing technical variations, including a reliable stock ball, leg-cutters, and off-cutters, to complement his natural pace.
The DPL Breakthrough and Future Choices
There was a period when Hooda considered leaving the game entirely. After failing to clear the Under-23 trials twice and lacking a background in junior cricket, he believed transitioning directly to first-class cricket or the Ranji Trophy would be too difficult. Following his graduation in 2023, he planned to focus solely on his engineering career. However, Dagar persuaded him to commit to one more year of training at his academy four days a week.
That decision paved the way for his entry into the Delhi Premier League. After limited opportunities during his initial stint with South Delhi in 2024, Hooda's performances improved, culminating in his dominant 2026 season. His performances have drawn attention from Indian Premier League franchises looking for net bowlers and trial candidates. He also received encouragement and guidance from former Indian international cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the owner of his DPL franchise.
Currently capable of bowling at 140 kmph, Hooda aims to increase his speed further while maintaining accuracy and line. He is preparing himself for the physical demands of bowling long spells in multi-day red-ball cricket, with the ultimate goal of representing India. While Hooda has returned to his corporate role at EY, his recent success has prompted him to consider shifting his entire focus to cricket in the near future.
