Uttar Pradesh pacer Ankit Singh Rajpoot sounded optimistic to get more opportunities with the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE.
He is also eager to share the new ball with England's star speedster Jofra Archer in his maiden stint with the RR in the upcoming IPL 2020 starting on 19th September. Former Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Kings XI Punjab pacer has played 23 IPL matches and claimed 22 wickets so far.
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Ankit told Times of India: “Rajasthan is a team that gives a lot of opportunities and chances to youngsters. I am really happy to be with the Royals. I am sure I will get a lot of opportunities and learn a lot from this team. It's a new start for me and I am prepared for it.”
He continued, “I am so excited to share the new ball with Jofra Archer. A batsman cannot judge him and figure out what delivery he is going to bowl. He has the ability to bowl six different variations in an over and will change the speed as well. He bowls without any pressure. If you see his run-up and approach, he is very calm and relaxed. I am really looking forward to learning a lot from him.”
The Uttar Pradesh skipper further went on to credit former KXIP captain Ravichandran Ashwin and head of cricket operations Virender Sehwag for his good run in the IPL 2018.
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The 26-year-old further explained: “I was playing the third match for KXIP. I had already won a Man of the Match award in the previous game against Delhi Capitals. The confidence was there and I wanted to do something different in that match. Ashwin bhai came and said 'you are my wicket-taking bowler. Runs don't matter, go and take wickets with the new ball'. I bowled three overs in the Powerplay and claimed three wickets. Manish Pandey's catch was dropped in that Powerplay, otherwise, it would have been four wickets. I was in a perfect zone in that match as things were going my way.
I was not focusing on my pace, I was focusing majorly on the swing. Viru paa's (Virender Sehwag's) tips in the tournament helped me a lot. Ahead of the match vs SRH, Viru paa came and said 'Ankit, you are a good bowler. Don't focus on the pace much, accuracy is very important'. I followed the same. When I was given the ball, I just focused on the swing and some particular areas and the result was in front of us.”
Ankit signed off by revealing his best IPL memory so far: “There are two. First - when I took a five-wicket haul vs SRH. Second, my spell against Chennai Super Kings in 2018. I had bowled 18 dots in 4 overs and dismissed Sam Billings. I cannot forget that spell.”
(With TOI inputs)
