Rajasthan Royals (RR) wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat believes that the resumption of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) in the UAE will stand the franchise in “good stead” with the side being sat in the fifth spot in the points table.
The 21-year-old, who made his IPL debut during the first phase of the tournament earlier this year in India, said RR is very confident of making the most of the next seven matches in the UAE to make it to the IPL 2021 playoffs. He was also elated to be able to make his debut for RR in the IPL.
Rawat said in a media release, “I was really happy that I could make my IPL debut for the Royals. It was unfortunate that the season was postponed but given our current position in terms of being fifth on the table, I think it puts us in good stead with respect to the resumption in the UAE.”
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The youngster added, “Remembering that some of our players (Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes) had to depart and some were unavailable for the most part of the competition, I believe it was a good overall performance from our team, and we are really confident of making the most of the next seven matches and give ourselves the best chance of making it to the playoffs.”
Recalling his IPL debut, Rawat said: “I had confidence in myself, and deep down, I had a feeling that I'll get my chance when we go to the Delhi-leg of our matches because it's my home stadium and I am well accustomed to those conditions. When Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) told me that I would be starting, it felt nice, and I was really motivated to go out there and do my best for the team.”
The Delhi cricketer also feels “the wickets in the UAE will really suit” his batting having played there with the RR in the last season. He added, “Now I'm looking forward to doing the same things again in the UAE, and help the team in whatever way I can, whether it's on the field or with the bat.”
Rawat is a big fan of MS Dhoni and felt fortunate to be able to get a couple of chances to speak to the legend during the IPL 14 earlier this year. The wicket-keeper said, “I've been fortunate enough to have spoken to him a couple of times. This time I just asked him about what he meant when he said in an interview that an athlete should be honest with himself or herself.”
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The youngster continued, “He replied by saying that an athlete should be honest with himself in terms of knowing what he's doing right and what he's doing wrong. In essence, it meant that if you are feeling lazy one day and skip a training session, then you should know that it's wrong and that you’re the one who's responsible for cheating your body.”
Well, like every cricketer, Rawat also wants to play for his country, but at the moment he is not looking too far ahead as he just wants to focus on the upcoming IPL 2021 games and domestic season.
He concluded, “My main focus is on the next seven matches in the IPL with the Royals, which are really important for the team and for myself. Post that, I'll be focused on both red ball and white ball cricket, because if you perform well, there is scope for you to really progress and make a case to the selectors.”
(With PTI Inputs)
