IPL 2018: Manzoor Pandav aiming to attain full rhythm before joining KXIP camp

KXIP’s preparatory training camp is likely to start from 10 March in Mohali.

Manzoor Dar | Getty Images

With the much-awaited 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 right around the corner, getting underway on 7 April in Mumbai, Manzoor Dar, who is also known as Pandav is working hard to get the full rhythm ahead of joining Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) camp for the tournament.

Kashmir’s new cricket sensation –Dar, who was brought up by KXIP for INR 20 Lakh for his services in the IPL 2018, is currently focusing on running, cardio, strength training apart from regular cricket training to pass the set fitness standard to play in the tournament.

Meanwhile, KXIP will kick-start their IPL 2018 campaign against Delhi Daredevils on the April 8 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.

Manzoor, who returned home after being part of the Jammu and Kashmir team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is currently training hard in Srinagar to achieve complete fitness.

He is also working in nets before joining the KXIP camp for the IPL 2018. Pandav is only third ever player from Kashmir to be part of the cash-rich T20 league after Mohammad Mudhasir and Parvez Rasool.

It is learned that the KXIP’s preparatory training camp is likely to start from 10 March while the players will join the camp in Mohali on March 4, but Dar said there is no official announcement about it.

According to a report in Greater Kashmir, Manzoor Dar said, “There is no official word yet and about the start of the training camp. But tentatively team has sent a message to all players to reach Mohali on March 4 for some official work before the start of the camp.”

The all-rounder further said, “IPL over the years has set high standards as for as fitness is considered. With no available facilities in my home town, I have shifted my base till I join Kings-XI camp to Srinagar. I am focusing on running, cardio, strength training apart from regular cricket training.”

The 24-year-old is known for his power hitting and scoring quickly ability, saying about his game, “Hitting sixes comes to me naturally with the time this tag of power hitter got attached with me. I have played almost in every part of the State apart from few outside States. I have performed well in every arena but IPL would be totally different.”

However, Pandav is excited to play with the likes of  Chris Gayle, David Miller, Yuvraj Singh and Aaron Finch in the KXIP camp.  Dar said it will be a dream come to true for him to play with the legends and looking forward to the improvement of his game.

Dar signed off, “It will be a dream come to true to in the same team that has legends in it. I will try to learn the art of big hitting from stars like Chris Gayle and Yuvraj Singh for the improvement of my game.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 23 Feb, 2018

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