Impressing one and all with his pace and hostility at the U-19 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, Uttar Pradesh's Kartik Tyagi is excited for the next big jump in his career, playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE, starting September 19.
While Tyagi realises clocking 140 kmphs won't alone make him a success as he climbs up the ladder and the control, consistency will be paramount, the youngster says that doesn't mean there would ever be a compromise on what is his "greatest asset".
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“Pace is definitely my greatest asset. My biggest passion has always been to bowl extremely fast," Tyagi told Sport360.
“There have been multiple bowlers who I have tried to copy since I was a child. There is Bhuvneshwar Kumar, also Mitchell Starc. I used to watch them and try to bowl exactly like them."
“However, if there is one bowler who has influenced me the most while growing up, it is Brett Lee. He is my biggest role model. I admire him a lot and still try to model my bowling on him," he added.
In the Royals' camp as well, there won't be any shortage of role-models, especially when England's Jofra Archer arrives after the end of the home international summer.
Tyagi says in one of his first interactions with the bowler, he would like to know how he is able to generate such high pace without much effort in the run-up and even at the delivery stride.
“He is one of the best fast bowlers in the world right now, so of course I am excited to train with him,” he said. “But first of all, I want to know the secret behind his effortless bowling style. He just looks so casual while running up to the crease and yet he delivers the ball at such a speed! I will try to pick his brains."
“I have heard that he is a great guy and a gentleman. But first, I really want to ask him how he generates those speeds so casually."
The 19-year-old has enjoyed his experience working with the Royals' coaching staff and says the IPL deal has brought about a big change for him.
“It has been a welcoming atmosphere from the very start and everyone here is like a family,” Tyagi said. “Even in the previous training camp held in India, it was a great atmosphere with the players as well as the staff. The camaraderie is great to see."
Royals won a bidding battle with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and roped in Tyagi for 1.30 crore, a life-changing sum for a player whose family had to once sell off their agricultural land for the treatment of his injury after the first-class debut at the age of 16.
“It (IPL contract) has been a big change of course. We had financial problems at home and this IPL deal will certainly help improve that," said Tyagi.
“But the biggest positive of this is to finally fulfil a lifelong dream. I have been watching the IPL on TV growing up and now I am on that stage. How can that not be exciting?”
