IPL 2018: Apoorv Wankhade confident of having a great IPL campaign with KKR

It's crucial to take one step at a time, says Apoorv Wankhade

Wankhede was roped in by KKR for 20 lakhs. (Dailyhunt)

Vidarbha batsman Apoorv Wankhade, who will represent his trade for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, has considered himself very fortunate to represent Vidarbha in the Indian Domestic circuit.

Before taking up Cricket, Wankhade played kho-kho, volleyball, and athletics, is currently not thinking about the IPL 2018 as he just wants to focus on just one thing at a time.

Wankhade told Sportstar, “Hails from Anjangaon, a small hamlet in Maharashtra. It wasn't until grade seven that my parents asked me to focus on one game. Then, we moved to Amravati where I finally turned to bat and ball. My parents have been extremely supportive of my decision since.”

It will be his great chance to grab the attention of national selectors for an India call-up thorough IPL stint with KKR. Though it could pose a pressure on him to perform as there are so many international players in the KKR line-up, but Wankhade said, “Pressure is going to be there regardless of which tournament you play. The idea is to capitalize on the chances and repay the faith shown by the team management. If I've got five matches at my disposal, the aim's to do well in at least three of those. Hopefully, we'll have a great campaign.”

The 25-year-old Apoorv also wants, “to be there till the last ball and win the match for my team. If I'm there at the death, I'm confident of seeing the team through.”

Since 201-13 season, Wankhade has been part of the Vidarbha squad but he never thought about changing base for better opportunities, “I'm glad to represent Vidarbha; we've so many big names in our team - having brushed shoulders with all of them, I consider myself very fortunate.”

In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018, the right-hand batsman has scored 201 runs in his five matches, hitting three half-centuries, said he will turn his attention to IPL after the domestic season.

He further added, “It's crucial to take one step at a time. After this, we have the Irani Trophy coming up and once that's over, I'll turn my attention to IPL. I intend to go to Mumbai and practise there for a few days before joining the team camp ahead of the season.”

Wankhade signed off by saying, “I'm working on my bowling at the moment; medium pace mostly. But I won't try that before the IPL; I don't think I'm ready yet.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 13 Feb, 2018

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