Jamshedpur, Feb. 18: With Jharkhand’s essay in first class matches coming to an end this season, it is time for Saurabh Tiwary and Ishank Jaggi to pad up for Indian Premier League (IPL).
Apart from carrying on the good willow work, the youngsters are practising innovative techniques and spending time at the gym to make their presence felt in the T20 fixture, starting March 12.
Dropping anchor in the city yesterday from Cuttack, the batting mainstays of Jharkhand Ranji outfit picked the IPL as their top priority. Both were part of the state outfit for Vijay Hazare Trophy (East Zone) in Cuttack.
“I am leaving for Mumbai to join the training camp beginning February 22. I hope to continue with my good form,” Tiwary told The Telegraph. The 20-year-old topped the batting average while captaining the state senior outfit this season.
Tiwary let his broad willow do all the talking blasting three centuries and two fifties. The rich form and ability to lead catapulted the southpaw to captain East Zone team in the Duleep Trophy. Tiwary had also played a stellar role in helping the Indian Under-19 team clinch the ICC World Cup in 2006.
“I am confident as I have been in good nick. Since we have already played T20 matches, I hope there will not be any problem during the IPL,” said Tiwary, who played four matches for Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians in the last edition of IPL.
Jaggi, the right-handed batsman who led the state junior outfit before climbing the ladder for senior matches, is waiting to make his debut in the IPL.
The youngster had been in reckoning for some IPL teams, including Royal Challengers, for over a year. He finally opted to be part of former India leggie Anil Kumble’s team last year.
“IPL is a big exposure. I will to have to adapt to the conditions quickly and try and play innovative shots. Extra time in the gym will also help. I am excited about joining the camp in Bangalore,” Jaggi said.
Jaggi, who is also an occasional leg spinner, was in good form in the four-day Ranji matches. However, he did get some runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Cuttack.
“A player’s form drops sometime. But that does not me. I am aware of my capabilities as a player. Every batsman has to go through a lean phase in his career,” he said philosophically.
Jaggi said he was yet to be informed by the Royal Challengers about the camp. The Mango-based player had been part of the India Under-19 side for the Emerging Players tournament in Australia in 2009.
