Delhi Capitals (DC) batter Ripal Patel made his IPL debut in his team’s last match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a match which his team DC won and went to the top of the points table with 20 points from 13 matches.

Ripal called playing in the IPL against CSK captain MS Dhoni a ‘fan boy’ moment as he said that the mercurial captain inspired him to pursue cricket. He also said that a welcome chat with Dhoni at the end of the game made his day and elevated his confidence.

"It was a different feeling altogether to see Mahi bhai behind the stumps when I took guard. It felt really good that Mahi bhai was watching me play. I started playing cricket watching Mahi bhai and I am looking to become a finisher like him," Patel was quoted as saying in a release issued by his franchise DC.

IPL 2021: He is trying to get some form: Lara on Dhoni's decision to bat ahead of Jadeja vs DC

"After the game, I asked him how he finishes every match, how he thinks on the field, and what goes on in his mind while chasing a score. We had a good chat and he gave me a lot of confidence,” he added.

Asked about his emotions when he received the Delhi Capitals cap before the game, he said: "I was really happy when I received my cap from Mishy bhai (Amit Mishra). It didn't feel like it was my first match. I felt really good going into the match. I just looked to back myself and enjoy every part of the game.

When I went into bat (at 71/3), we needed to score at a run-a-ball pace. I aimed to finish the match for the team. Shikhar bhai (Dhawan) told me to take my time at the crease, so I took my time and enjoyed my batting."

“We were looking for a couple of runs and it was great to see Rabada hit a boundary. I was disappointed that I didn't finish the match, but it was great that the team won and reached 20 points,” he signed off.

(PTI inputs)