During the recently held Test series in Australia, fast bowler Kartik Tyagi was one of the only two players alongside wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who couldn’t make it to the playing XI despite India fielding 20 different cricketers through the course of the four-match series because of injury woes.
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However, after the historic series win at the Gabba, India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the young pacer’s contribution.
“Kartik, you were fantastic,” Rahane said during his speech in the dressing room.
Tyagi was part of the Indian contingent as a net bowler during the two-month tour held in a strict bio-bubble.
In an exclusive chat with The Indian Express, the 20-year-old said he has lost count of the number of overs he bowled in the nets during the tour Down Under.
“I can’t put a number to the number of overs,” Tyagi said.
“The main thing was we went to Australia and we beat Australia. I was present there. When he (Rahane) mentioned my name, it was a very proud moment. To be part of that team was a dream. And I hope that in the future, I will also be able to bowl India to wins in matches,” he added.
During the tour, Kartik Tyagi got an opportunity to rub shoulders with senior pros like Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Even as he warmed the bench, Tyagi observed some of the best in the business preparing and executing their plans on the field.
“How to plan for a session, how to set fields, how to bowl to a field. I learnt so much by watching, listening and talking. I spoke to everyone I could,” Tyagi said.
“Talking to (Jasprit) Bumrah, watching Pat Cummins bowl or Mohammed Siraj making his debut was a great experience. (I learnt) The importance of being patient and sticking to the plan. Two of the best teams in the world are playing Test cricket, you are present, watching and listening and seeing so many things. I could not have asked for more. How the team discussed all the plans and then how it played out in the ground, was so inspirational."
When asked about his bowling in the nets, Tyagi said that he tried to bowl at one spot.
“I tried to bowl at one spot (in the nets). Consistently hitting a line or a length is important at the highest level. I have played in the Under-19 World Cup and the IPL. I have realised that being consistent and patient is the key in Test cricket. That makes a huge difference. You need to bowl at a spot even if wickets are not coming,” he remarked.
