UAE Cricketer Chirag Suri Talks About His IPL Experience Of The 2017 Edition

United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricketer is one of the top-notch players from the Associate nation, who has also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Chirag Suri could not get a game, he was part of Gujarat Lions in 2017 alongside the likes of Suresh Raina, Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch, and Dwayne Smith. He has shed light on the incredible experience ahead of the IPL 2020 in the UAE.

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Chirag Suri is the only cricketer from UAE to have been part of an IPL squad as the Gujarat Lions purchased him for the base price. As for his international career, the right-handed batsman 29 games for the national team across ODIs and T20Is. Suri averages 20.88 and 35.20 in ODIs and Tests respectively, mustering five half-centuries since debuting in 2018.

Chirag Suri admitted that it was an emotional moment for him and his family when Gujarat Lions secured him for his base price in 2017. He underlined that from the bonding camp to the two months spanning the tournament became a massive learning experience for him.

“It was really an emotional moment for my family when Gujarat Lions bid for me at a base price at the auction for the 2017 season. From the day I reached Rajkot for a bonding camp to the next two months, time just flew and it was a huge learning experience for me,” Suri mentioned as quoted by Gulf News.

The UAE opener admitted that amid the likes of Finch, Smith, and McCullum, it was challenging to find a spot in the playing eleven. Nevertheless, he got to observe how world-class players adapted themselves to pressure situations. Suri credited captain Raina as well for his growth as a professional.

“I couldn’t get a game but it was hardly surprising as there were at least seven world class openers like Brendan McCullum, Aaron Finch and Dwayne Smith. However, it was a great opportunity to watch up close as how the top cricketers prepare for a match or how they back themselves during pressure situations. Suresh Raina, captain of the team, also saw to it that I developed as a professional,” he asserted.

My dream is to take the country to the World Cup: Chirag Suri

The 25-year old highlighted that his priority is to take his country as forward as he could. Suri admitted that he has played international cricket for UAE for more than some players and dreams of playing for the team in a World Cup.

“See, it brings a different joy to play for the country. I have played more international matches for the UAE than some of the regular players in the IPL and my dream is to take the country to the World Cup,” he added.

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