IPL 2018: D'Arcy Short Excited to Play in IPL for Rajasthan Royals

The swashbuckling opener from Australia, D’Arcy Short recently admitted he is excited to visit India for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Short was roped in by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 4 crores, as his series of scores in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Short is currently the highest run-scorer in BBL scoring 504 runs in ten games for the Hobart Hurricanes. He was crucial behind Hurricane’s reaching the finals of BBL.

“It feels great to be going to the IPL; it will be my first time to India, so I am excited to learn about the people, the culture and of course playing with Rajasthan Royals. There will be so many great players to learn from – guys like Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler,” Short said to Sportstar.

Short has brought a balanced consistency with scoring quick runs impeccably in the ongoing BBL. However, he feels scoring runs in the subcontinent is a whole new ballgame.

“Batting through the middle overs has been a focus for me throughout BBL|07, and it has contributed to my big scores in the tournament. Obviously playing in India presents different challenges so I’ll certainly be talking to my teammates – both local and international – who have played in India and look at ways to make sure I’m batting deep into the innings,” Short added.

The 27-year-old Short has been included in Australia’s T20 squad for the Tri-Series involving England and New Zealand. Short is well in line to play the opening fixture after Aaron Finch was ruled out with an injury.

Asked whether getting picked in IPL will push his case in Australia, Short admitted he is concentrating too far.

“I’m not really looking that far ahead. Being picked for the T20 games this summer is a great thrill, and I’d love to represent my country as much as possible. The IPL is about scoring runs for the Royals and hopefully be there at the pointy end of the tournament,” Short stated.

Short further dismissed the huge price tag will not impose any pressure on him.

“No, not at all,” he said.

“There’s pressure every time you play a game of professional cricket. I just really wanted the opportunity to play in the IPL. It is such a great tournament with so many great players, and I’ll learn a lot from the experience,” Short added.

Short further cleared there will be no Ashes banter going on with Stokes and Buttler in the squad.

“Haha no, I haven’t had the honor of playing Test cricket yet, and both these guys have already achieved so much. They’d probably point to the fact that last time they both played in an Ashes series (2015) England won it quite comfortably!” Short concluded.

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