He was one of 600 — a mass of young aspirants looking for a career in cricket. The open trials by the Hyderabad Cricket Association had created a buzz, and the 21-year-old Ravi Kiran stood out — sensationally — with the pace that he generated.
“He was raw,” said former India cricketer Noel David, now a fielding coach with Hyderabad. Kiran, David said, was raw, quick, enthusiastic and ambitious.
An unfettered approach meant he could chase his dreams as he wanted to.
“We ensured that no one tampered with his action,” revealed former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi.
“He was sharper than many and, I tell you, he has a superb slower one…all learnt by himself. He knows his job and I can clearly see something extra in him,” Joshi said.
Kiran, who is scheduled to make his debut on Wednesday when Hyderabad meets Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinal, was exceptional at the ‘nets' as he had the batsmen hopping and swaying.
The ever-smiling quick is not your typical fast bowler. He is lean, speaks softly and nods at practically everything that David says.
“He is so much like (Javagal) Srinath. His run up, delivery stride and the finish remind me of Srinath,” noted David.
Kiran will also benefit from a week-long orientation from Srinath that the HCA has lined up for him.
The son of a lab technician, Kiran, conveying his thoughts through interpreter David, mumbled: “I hope cricket gives my family a comfortable life.”
He then returned to make the batsmen hop and sway.
