Basil Thampi, the Kerala pacer has been picked for the T20 series against Sri Lanka and he is excited to be a part the team. He made his mark after a successful IPL season for Gujarat Lions. Thampi even got an 'Emerging Player' award in this year's IPL.
IPL has helped the youngster to gain confidence. Basil has carried it forward into the "A" team matches and the Duleep Trophy.
The pacer has a dream to bowl with Indian former captain MS Dhoni standing behind the wickets donning the big gloves. His dream seems to be fulfilled now after his selection.
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"I want to bowl and MS Dhoni to keep. It has been a long-time dream of mine," he added.
Basil was surprised to know about his selection in the Indian team. He got the news from the KCA secretary Jayesh George.
"I am feeling very proud and happy. But, I was surprised to learn from KCA secretary Jayesh George that I had been selected for the Indian team. It is a great moment as it has always been my dream to don the national colours," Thampi told PTI from Surat.
Thampi is currently playing for his state team in Ranji Trophy and wants to help his team making to the semifinals for the first time ever.
"In the past one year, I have become a more confident bowler and I'm hopeful of doing well for India against Sri Lanka," said Thampi, who trains
The Kerala pacer, who trains at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai under the watchful eyes of Australian legend Glenn McGrath said he had learned a lot from the former Aussie pacer.
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"McGrath advised me not to lose pace while bowling and I have kept that in mind. I have also gained a lot by interacting with him and Senthil Sir (M Senthilnathan, head coach the Pace Foundation). They have motivated me a lot and given me a lot of confidence," Thampi said.
After a memorable IPL 2017, he can't wait to do well on the top level."The IPL this year was a turning point in my career, especially the match against Mumbai Indians. In my last two overs I bowled something like 10 yorkers to batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard. This got me noticed," he said.
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Former India pacer Tinu Yohannan, who is bowling coach for Kerala currently said Basil's consistent performances in various tournaments had earned him a spot in the national squad.
"Really proud moment for us in the Kerala team and Kerala cricket. His consistent performances from last year's Syed Musthaq Ali Trophy has earned him a call now. He is in really good shape and perfectly ready for the opportunity," he said.
"Thampi has been consistent in all the opportunities he has got after being the 'Emerging Player' in the IPL," he added.
