India’s teenage speed sensation Kamlesh Nagarkoti is back in business after basking in the glory of the U-19 World Cup success. While winning the coveted silverware was just the tip of the iceberg in the tough rigours of Indian cricket, Nagarkoti is gearing up for his next big challenge — the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Snapped up by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹3.2 crore, the Rajasthan pacer is heading to the MRF Pace Foundation, in the city, to fine-tune his skills under Australian Glenn McGrath. “MRF is a good place to learn. I am going there for the second time and I am eager to learn the nuances of different bowling variations — like the slower ball, the yorkers etc.
“This would be my second visit to MRF. I went there in 2017 and unfortunately, I suffered a groin injury then. So my time with McGrath and other coaches was limited to gym workouts, training and rehabilitation along with sessions on medium pace, the way we grip the ball etc. I am looking forward to my visit, later this month,” he added.
The medium-pacer is excited at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with the likes of Jacques Kallis, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc with the KKR. “I am only thinking about the learning prospects the IPL is offering. It would be great to learn and understand how to bowl to a batsman like (Chris) Gayle,” he said.
Nagarkoti, who idolises Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, said he was surprised at clocking speeds in excess of 145 kmph. “We play in matches where there are no speed guns. I knew I breached the 143 kmph mark in England when we played there but bowling at those speeds in the U-19 World Cup was a surprise,” he added.
The Rajasthan pacer said backing individual skills is the key for any bowler. “As medium pacers, we have to do that. A lot of effort also goes into training and in the diet. We have to make sure we know what is good and what works for our bodies,” he said.
