Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood is all set to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 29-year-old was bought by CSK for Rs 2 crore in the previous IPL auction. He is eager to play in the leadership of MS Dhoni.
Talking to WION, the Aussie, who had featured in Mumbai Indians (MI) squad back in 2014, said he was delighted after being picked by CSK. IPL 2020 will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this year in September-November.
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“I am pretty excited actually. It’s been a while that I have been in the squad. I haven’t played a game yet but I was with Mumbai Indians squad in IPL 2014. I have been using this time – April and May – for rest, preparing for other Test tours for Australia. And now it is a good opportunity to play some T20 cricket and put my name up in that format of the game, in which I haven’t played too much. It is the best T20 competition in the world. So looking forward to it and hope to do well for CSK,” Hazlewood told WION in an exclusive chat.
“I was ecstatic to be picked up by CSK. Pat was obviously different, and he is pretty excited to be out there and do well for Kolkata. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last five years but I am happy CSK gave me an opportunity and hopefully, I can reward them,” he added.
Hazlewood has played only seven T20I matches for Australia. However, he has featured in Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Sixers.
The Aussie called Dhoni a similar character to him and he is looking forward to playing with him. “Again, I am excited! I think he is a pretty similar player to me – very relaxed and calm – and that’s how I play my best cricket, that’s when I enjoy my cricket. Hopefully, we are a good match,” he said.
The Aussie pacer is working on his deliveries and he would like to settle before delivering in the cash-rich league. Hazlewood has last played a T20I match for Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup against India.
“I am always working on different deliveries, different change-ups, and slower balls. Hopefully, in the next couple of months, I can work on settling in and deliver in the IPL. Under a lot of pressure but it is always good to try things,” he said.
(Quotes Inputs from WION NEWS)
