For someone who averages close to 50 in First Class cricket and has been looked up to by his teammates as ‘Mr. Dependable’, Bavanaka Sandeep never really got the due he deserved despite his consistent performances ever since he made his Ranji debut with a century against Jharkhand in 2010.
The southpaw has, however, something to cheer about now having been called by the Mumbai Indians for the selection trials for the next edition of the Indian Premier League.
The 26-year-old diminutive cricketer, who can chip in with his handy left-arm spin, believes that after Ambati Rayudu came back to Hyderabad last season, there has been a sea-change in his mindset and approach towards his batting and game too.
“Now, I am lot more of a complete player, in a position to play all the strokes with greater freedom and consistency,” Sandeep told Sportstar on Sunday before leaving for Mumbai.
“Rayudu bhai has been a sobering influence on me giving invaluable tips. I hope to continue the momentum going with some big scores in the coming season too having done well in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy,” he says.
“Frankly, I won’t say I was disappointed when not selected for major events whenever I actually thought I would be there because of my scores. For, if you start thinking on those lines, you will lose your focus,” feels Sandeep.
“I believe in the philosophy that if you keep scoring consistently, you will get the big break one day and importantly you should be ready for that big moment. And, so I try to be consistent and wait for that to happen,” he says.
Sandeep, who rates the double century against Services in Ranji game in Mumbai couple of seasons ago and the ton on debut as some of the high-points, is optimistic of playing in the IPL.
“Every cricketer loves to be there and I hope this time around I may get a chance. Let’s us see how things shape up,” he signed off with a big smile.
He and Ranji pacer Chama Milind will be attending the Mumbai Indians trials on Monday.
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