Rajasthan Royals' (RR) young pacer Kartik Tyagi said he is learning a great deal being around the team's senior heads, including skipper Steve Smith, especially on how he can enhance his skillset and "make fewer mistakes" under pressure.
Kartik, who impressed one and all with his pace and swing at the U-19 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, was picked by Royals at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in December 2019 for INR 1.30 crores.
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After sitting on the sidelines for four games, the 19-year-old right-arm pacer finally got his maiden chance against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (October 6). He bowled a decent spell of 1/36, including the big wicket of explosive MI opener Quinton de Kock, that too off a bouncer.
"It was a great experience to play my first game, to get a test cap from one of the best batsmen in the world. To make my debut against players whom I've only watched on television was fantastic," said Tyagi in an official release issued by Rajasthan Royals.
"All the big senior players that I've met so far, I've tried to know how they prepare for games. What are they thinking and what's going on in their heads. How I can make fewer mistakes and how they manage to reduce their errors in the game," he added.
Tyagi is now hoping to continue the good work as RR strive to get back on track after three consecutive losses with the game versus Delhi Capitals (DC) on Friday (October 9) in Sharjah.
"We're preparing well for our next game. Delhi is in a great rhythm and is doing very well. We've lost a bit of the rhythm and would like to regain some, hopefully, give a tough fight and play a good game," said the young quick from UP.
RR are currently seventh in the points table with two wins and three losses. Question marks have been raised over their bowling attack and the inconsistently performing batting line-up, but veteran batsman Robin Uthappa feels there is enough quality in the ranks for them to feel confident of bouncing back strong.
Uthappa also thinks the return of in-form English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who is currently in isolation due to COVID-19 protocols since arriving from New Zealand where he was with his ailing father, will only boost RR's chances.
Stokes is expected to be available for selection from the face-off with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Dubai on Sunday (October 11).
"I feel the team balance and combinations are pretty good. We've got good batsmen in our squad, we're also going to have Ben Stokes back with us soon and he'll strengthen our line-up," said Uthappa.
(Inputs from ANI)
