Another pacer with promise
Chennai: From a promising bowler in Kerala to the ‘Emerging Player’ award in this year’s IPL, to a spot in the India T20 team, Basil Thampi’s rise has been rather quick.
The 24-year old paceman, who has been in the selectors’ radar for a while now, said Tuesday he was surprised to learn from KCA secretary Jayesh George about his selection to the Indian squad.
“I am feeling very proud and happy. But, I was surprised when I got the news. It is a great moment as it has always been my dream to don the national colours,” Thampi told this agency from Surat.
The lanky paceman is currently with the Kerala team, which will face Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals beginning, December 7.
“In the past one year, I have become a more confident bowler and I’m hopeful of doing well for India against Sri Lanka if I get the chance,” Thampi, who trains at the MRF Pace Foundation here under the watchful eyes of Australian legend Glenn McGrath, informed.
“He (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 of the Foundation). They have motivated me a lot and given me a lot of confidence,” Thampi stated.
Thampi stated that playing for Gujarat Lions in the IPL last season has been a career-changing one. “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 pointed out.
Now he is looking forward to the fulfillment of another long-nourished dream. “I want to bowl and MS Dhoni to keep. It has been a long-time dream of mine,” he said with excitement in his voice.
