Having roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2014 auction, Ricky Bhui has featured in only one IPL match thus far. Bhui, who represented India in the 2014 and 2016 editions of the Under-19 World Cup, made his IPL debut against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings last year.
As the 12th edition of Indian Premier League is fast-approaching, Ricky, in an exclusive chat with CricketNext, expressed his gratitude towards the SRH team management for grooming him over the last few years. The 22-year-old also hoped to repay SRH’s faith.
“In 2014 I came into the squad directly from the U-19 level and team management told me back then that I had plenty of potential that I would be able to fulfill in a few years’ time,” Bhui said.
“(Team mentor) VVS Laxman sir and (head coach) Tom Moody have been really helpful and encouraging with me throughout the years and they have put a lot of trust in me. This season I hope I can be a part of the playing XI and help the team do well,” he added.
After scoring a List A century on his debut for Andhra Pradesh, Ricky Bhui showed his batting prowess in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. He played an unbeaten knock of 108 runs from 42 balls in his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy debut and is now more confident of his abilities.
“If I had gotten a chance to play in the IPL earlier in my career and I didn’t perform well, the story would have been very different. But if you’re fully prepared for it then you give yourself a better chance to succeed. A lot has changed for me in the past few years. I’ve played more domestic cricket and I have runs behind me; from my side I am now fully prepared to make a mark should the opportunity arise,” he said.
Bhui also acknowledged that picking up crucial tips from David Warner and Kane Williamson have helped him immensely over the past few years.
“I have had plenty of conversations both Williamson and Warner in practice and during the nets on how they approach the game and how they think in certain game situations.
“They also offer small pointers on how to mentally prepare for games. Being around so many great international players has helped me get to know my game better,” he concluded.
