A Day before the much-anticipated IPL player auction, two of India's left arm seamers were anxious and excited
A Day before the much-anticipated IPL player auction, two of India's left arm seamers were anxious and excited.
Irfan Pathan is keeping his fingers crossed after spending a couple of months at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, while RP Singh was seen practising in Lucknow's sports hostel. The IPL is a huge stage for both of them.
"The last few months have been tough and I see this IPL as my biggest comeback platform.u00a0 In a way, my lay-off from international cricket, was a blessing in disguise as I've now worked very hard on my fitness and bowling" Pathan told MiD DAY.
RP too stressed on the significance of the IPL. "I made it to the T20 World Cup because of a superb season with IPL. Being the highest wicket-taker in the IPL gives me hope that I will be picked up by a good team. I want to play for Sachin Tendulkar's team as he is my favourite cricketer," said RP, as he went on to recall his time with the Deccan Chargers.
"I will miss the determination and camaraderie we shared at DC, especially with Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) and Symmo (Andrew Symonds). I've learnt a lot from Symonds and will definitely miss his company if we are not part of the same team this time."
Pathan meanwhile, is eyeing some family bonding. "My family wants both of us (he and brother Yusuf) to play for the same team. We have played together for Baroda (Ranji Trophy) and India, but in the IPL, our sister's loyalty was often tested as we played against each other."
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