Match 38 of the ongoing IPL witnessed Vizag-based cricketer Prithviraj make his debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. It was a day to remember for the young speedster as he impressed quite a few with his relentless display of pace bowling.
After being entrusted with the second over against the dominant opening pair of SRH, Prithviraj had a tough beginning as he was smacked for six straight away by David Warner. Things could have soon turned delightful when Bairstow smashed one straight to Cariappa at deep point. However, much to the disappointment of the left-arm pacer, the fielder couldn’t latch on to the catch and made things worse by letting it slip through for a boundary. Tough luck followed Prithvi as Bairstow was dropped again by Piyush Chawla at a later stage in the innings. Despair was evident as the Vizag lad was down on the ground in utter disbelief.
However, what followed the next ball was something that the KKR bowler would cherish for a long time to come. Prithvi bowled a slower delivery and outfoxed David Warner, who was firing on all cylinders at the stage. The stumps were in total disarray and the young pacer exulted at his first IPL wicket. Bowling three overs, Prithvi conceded 29 runs in return for one wicket-the only wicket that KKR could manage to account for in the entire innings.
Speaking exclusively to Yo! Vizag, Prithviraj shared, “It was a very special feeling for me. I was playing in front of a Telugu speaking crowd and the atmosphere was absolutely electrifying.” Sharing his experience of bowling to Warner and Bairstow, the 21-year-old added, “I was bowling to two batsmen who have been at the peak of their form. And getting the wicket of David Warner was an extraordinary feeling.”
Prithviraj received praise from the commentators and his captain Dinesh Karthik. While ace commentator Harsha Bhogle appreciated him for wearing his heart on the sleeve all through, Karthik empathised with his tough lack.
KKR next play the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. It is likely that Prithviraj might be given another go and the Vizag speedster would hope to reap more dividends.
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