xtratime Logo

Debasis Sen: Kolkata Knight Rider’s teenage fast bowling sensation Kamlesh Nagarkoti is excited at the prospect of playing his first IPL season after having to miss out the last couple of editions due to injury. The youngster will be joined by 2018 U19 World Cup teammates Shubman Gill and Sivam Mavi in the KKR dressing room. In fact both Mavi and Nagarkoti were picked at the IPL 2018 auction but the later has been unlucky not to make his debut yet in the cash rich league. But this season, his patience is finally set to bear fruit. In an interview to www.xtratime.in facilitated by the KKR media team, the promising fast bowler shared his thoughts about the season ahead. Here are the excerpts:

XtraTime: How frustrating was it to miss out the last couple of seasons due to injury?

Kamlesh: There was frustration but I had only one thing in my mind that I need to be back on the cricket field. I was focused to make a comeback. I had a word with Rahul (Dravid) Sir (at NCA) and he told me not to look behind at my injury. He told me to stay focus with my bowling rather than thinking too much into what others say about my return after injury. He told me that when I return I should only focus on my game and on my bowling.

XtraTime: In a recent interview you spoke about Pat Cummins as to how he managed his long injury lay off. What are the things you are looking forward to picking from him apart from his injury management?

Kamlesh: I am very much excited to meet him (Cummins) because he himself has been through such a long injury lay off. Perhaps he can explain me better what I need to do to make a strong comeback as he himself has experienced it. I can learn a thing or two about how I can improve my bowling.

XtraTime: What has been the role of Omkar Salvi and Abhishek Nayar during your rehab?

Kamlesh: They had a huge role to play. When I went to Mumbai for a match at D.Y Patel Stadium, they took good care of me at the KKR academy. The two helped me to improve my technical abilities. Then when I played the match, I really felt good. My bowling as well as batting improved. So, I got to learn a lot from them.

XtraTime: How are you looking forward to the challenges of bowling at some big hitters of the game in this format?

Kamlesh: It's like when we started playing cricket, we were made ready for the toughest of situations, how to deal with all the problems. No matter who's batting at the other end, I believe one needs to stick to the plan and if he can execute that plan then I believe everything becomes easy. So, my main focus is whatever I do, I need to execute my plans properly. Rest, I don't know.

XtraTime: Lastly, can you talk about the camaraderie between you, Mavi and Shubman?

Kamlesh: Our friendship is really good. We were together even before the U19 World Cup. They have been good friends of mine since then. We used to have a lot of fun. Shubman and myself used to stay together. Mavi joined us before the U19 World Cup. Now, we are together again, I feel really good. If we need to talk about something, I can talk to him freely.