SA v IND 2018: Jansen twins lived their dream of blowing at Virat Kohli in India nets

The twins were specially summoned to attend the practice session by India’s chief coach Ravi Shastri.

Duan and Marco Jansen bowled at India's batsmen in the nets at Wanderers | CricBuzz

During India’s practice session ahead of the third Test at Wanderers on Monday (January 23), Jansen twins – Duan and Marco lived their dream of bowling to arguably the best batsman in the world – Virat Kohli. The 17-year-old Jansen twins were obviously on cloud nine as they also got the opportunity to click a picture with the Indian captain.

The twins bowl left-arm medium fast and idolize the Australian pace duo of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc. Duan and Marco play for the Northwest U’17 Provincial side.

“It was just an amazing day. We don’t really have words to describe how we feel right now. But man, Kohli is unbeatable. At times, you feel that you have bowled a really good ball and it will take his edge or beat him, but he still finds a way to adjust and hit you. With the India ‘A’ team, we looked like bowlers, but here, Kohli was toying with us,” Duan said while sharing his unforgettable experience with Xtra Time.

Yes we went up to him and asked him for a photo. We took a photo and he thanked us to bowling to him. We also thanked him for giving us the opportunity to bowl at him. Virat is one of our big heroes,” he further quoted.

Earlier last year when India ‘A’ side had toured South Africa, the Jansen twins got an opportunity to meet with the legendary Rahul Dravid (India ‘A’ team coach) at their hometown in Potchefstroom.

Talking about their pleasant meet up with Dravid, Duan said: “When we bowled at the India A batsmen he [Rahul Dravid] told us that we had great talent and we need to work hard keep being dedicated and train hard. He told us that if we work hard we might play for the country one day,”

When asked about their ambition to represent South Africa one day, Marco said, “Well it is always an honour to play for your country. It takes a lot of training and dedication to reach that stage. Dravid Sir told us that we should keep working hard and not lose focus.”

The twins signed off by naming their role models. Both Duan and Marco are ardent admirers of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc.

“I like Mitchell Johnson and also Starc. I just like the motion that they go through. Those two are my international idols. What I like the most is their aggression. I like Morne Morkel specially the bounce that he attracts from the pitches,” concluded the talented twins.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 23 Jan, 2018

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