IPL 2021: How Anil Kumble's Words Helped Jhye Richardson Get Over The Pressure Of Hefty Price Tag

Australian pacer and Punjab Kings’ latest recruit Jhye Richardson has revealed how head coach Anil Kumble helped him get over the pressure of the hefty price tag ahead of the 14th season of the IPL.

Jhye Richardson turned heads during the recent IPL auction when Punjab Kings racked up his services for a whopping Rs 14 crore.

A hefty price tag brings along with it a lot of pressure but Kumble’s message to the youngster- that he has been picked because of his ability to perform on the pitch- has really helped him get over the nerves.

“I started putting pressure on myself (thinking about the price tag). But, I had a good conversation with Anil yesterday, and he said, you know, ‘we didn’t pick you up for the price tag; we just picked you up for your services and what you do on the cricket field.’ For me, that was really important to hear, to know that the coach has picked me up for a reason and knows what I’m capable of.” said Jhye Richardson to PTI.

Having got that assurance from Anil Kumble, Jhye Richardson is now looking to bank on his skillsets to deliver performances for his team without worrying about the price tag.

“So for me, now it’s not to worry about the price tag. I know all that coach wants from me is to perform my best and back myself in with whatever skill that may be, whether it’s opening the bowling or, or trying to hit some runs in the lower order,” he said.

The Indian Premier League is a cauldron; a high-pressure environment where the best plays against the best and so for a young bowler, it can sometimes proved to be a daunting occasion.

However, Jhye Richardson, who has cultivated the habit of putting a smile on his face during his stint in the Big Bash League [BBL] is looking forward to just having fun on the field.

“The key to my game is to just go out and have fun. It’s easier said than done, because you’re bowing to the best batsman in the world but for me, if I can just stand at the top of my mark, and smile, that is a big one for me.”

“I actually started doing that (smile) during the Big Bash at the top of my mark, just to put a smile on the top there just to remind myself every ball that T20 is fun,” Jhye Richardson added.

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