Under-19 World Cup hero – Manjot Kalra isn't thinking about getting selected or not in the playing XI for Delhi Daredevils (DD) in the upcoming T20 extravaganza –Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.
Kalra, who was bought by DD for Rs 20 lakh at the IPL Auction 2018, is looking forward to pick the brains of some great of the game during the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League starting from April 7.
The 19-year-old has now become a household name after his heroic century in the finals of the U-19 World Cup against Australia which helped India to clinch the title for the record fourth time in February.
Speaking to indianexpress.com, Manjot Kalra said, “I am not nervous about the upcoming tournament. It is up to team’s management whether I get a chance to play or not but I see it as an opportunity to learn every day from such big players.”
The DD camp is fully packed with star opening batsman options likes of Colin Munro, Rishabh Pant, Jason Roy, Prithvi Shaw, which surely will make things difficult for Kalra to break into playing XI, but young left-arm batter just want to give his best whenever he would be given a chance in his maiden IPL.
The Delhi batsman further added, “If I get a chance to perform, at whatever position, in whatever role the team management decides, I will give my 100 percent to the team.”
Meanwhile, Kalra is excited to play under Gautam Gambhir, who previously led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles. He further stated, “Gautam Gambhir is someone who gives more than 100 percent of his efforts. He was so good for KKR, he handled the team brilliantly. It’s a great opportunity for me to play under his captaincy. During Ranji Trophy, he backed up the youngsters and he motivated them to come forward and express themselves. So, it is a good chance for me to play under him.”
However, DD has never won an IPL title, but the southpaw believes that they have chances in the IPL2018, as they have a well-balanced team this season.
Kalra signed off by saying, “We have a well-balanced team this season. We have a number of great bowling options, and we also have a few allrounders such as Chris Morris, who has been brilliant in IPL so far. So, we are expecting a great season for the Delhi Daredevils ahead.”
