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Hrithik Shokeen discusses his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians, his role in Delhi Premier League, transformation into an allrounder and more.
Hrithik Shokeen aims to be back in IPL. (Picture Credit: IG/hrithikshokeen)
Delhi offspinner Hrithik Shokeen drew attention when five-time champions Mumbai Indians picked him up for IPL 2022. Shokeen made his debut against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings, finishing with figures of 4-0-23-0. He would pick just two wickets in five matches during the season at an economy of 8.46 but MI backed him for another year.
In IPL 2023, Shokeen’s first wicket was Delhi Capitals’ Prithvi Shaw, but he gave away 43 runs in that game. He picked up just three wickets in eight matches that season, with an economy rate of 9.84, which brought a temporary halt to his IPL career.
In a chat with News18 CricketNext, Shokeen speaks about the disappointment of missing out on IPL, his experience of playing in the Delhi Premier League and how he moved from being a batter to an offspinner and now a blooming allrounder.
Excerpts:
How would you like to describe your experience in DPL Season 2?
The season has been good so far. There have been ups and downs, but our team is doing well and I think we can do it this year.
You were the captain last season. Ahead of this season, Nitish Rana was made the new captain. What was the message that you got from the team management?
No, there was no such communication. I knew in the auction that I was going to come here because I had been assured by the management that whatever happens, we will take you and whether it’s captaincy or non-captaincy, I don’t care. I just keep thinking that the team should do well.
You have been part of the Indian Premier League. Do you share your experiences with your teammates?
We share the same experience that you see on TV, like we talk about in the matches. In the case of Vedant (Sehwag) or anyone younger, they keep asking me. So I keep telling them and I learn from the seniors.
You had a good outing in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy. How much are you looking forward to the domestic season?
I am very excited. Touchwood, the season is going very well for me. This Delhi Premier is also going very well. Whatever the team is requesting me or wants me to do, I am doing it. So I think the season should go well.
How did you transform yourself from an off-spinner to a blooming allrounder?
When I was a kid, I was a batter. I was a batter during my U14 and U16 days. But at 19, Tarak (Sinha) Sir told me that I am better as an off-spinner. So, I left batting. But since last year, I have been focusing on batting, and you must have seen the change. Now I have scored a 50 as well (smiles).
You have played for the Mumbai Indians, but for the past two seasons, you have remained unsold. How do you handle such a situation?
Yes, I do feel disappointed; every player does when they aren’t at the highest level. But I understand what it takes to get there as well. That is why I’m working hard on my game, especially my batting this year, so I can improve and eventually make it to that stage again.
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