There is so much to learn from someone like Kallis, says KKR's Kamlesh Nagarkoti
U-19 World Cup winner and pace sensation Kamlesh Nagarkoti is looking forward to 2018 IPL as he gears up to learn as much as he can from KKR coach Jacques Kallis. The young bowler claimed 9 wickets in six matches at the U-19 World Cup and was also included in the team of the tournament.
The ‘Boys in Blue’ did India proud as they laid their hands on the highly coveted U-19 World Cup under the able guidance of coach Rahul Dravid. Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi, Manjot Kalra, Anukul Roy, Ishan Porel, and pacer Kamlesh Nagarkotti were few of the young starlets who impressed at the tournament with 5 of the Indian players being included in the team of the tournament.
Nagarkoti, who showed great consistency as he regularly bowled at speeds above 140 kph had his opponent batsmen terrified by the sheer pace of his deliveries. He was subsequently picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a huge sum of Rs 3.2 crore at the IPL auction held in Bangalore last month. The young lad is ecstatic and can’t wait to learn under the tutelage of legends like Jacques Kallis and Simon Katich.
"When I came to know that I will be part of KKR, I was pleased to get an opportunity to with both Kallis and Katich. There is so much to learn from someone like Kallis and the experience of working with him will definitely make me a better cricketer," Nagarkoti said in an interview to TOI.
The young lad who could terrify his opponents on the pitch, was a bundle of worries during the action as he revealed that he locked himself in the washroom when his name came up for bidding.
"I was extremely nervous and didn't watch my bidding at all. My roommate Pankaj Yadav informed me about my selection and I couldn't control my happiness. I am eager to make a mark in the IPL." the youngster added.
KKR have taken a risk this year, as they have kept an eye on the future by spending big on youngster such as Nagarkoti, Gill, Rana, etc. However, the additions of Aussie pacers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson will certainly bolster the bowling department and Nagarkoti is hoping to learn from the best.
"They both are left-arm bowlers but the way they use the width of the crease to bring the ball in or out of the batsmen is something I can take note of. More importantly, IPL is a platform which will help me learn how international cricketers prepare for a high-pressure situation," said
