Want To Be Part Of The Squad In Coming Years, Not Just A Net Bowler: Karthik Meiyappan

Karthik Meiyappan gained plenty of lessons and learning during his time spent with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2020. Meiyappan was called in as a net bowler by the RCB management in the UAE.

The Chennai-born spinner made his ODI debut for UAE in December last year against the United States of America at Sharjah. The leg-spinner has played 4 ODIs for UAE hitherto and picked 6 wickets at an economy of 4.12.

Words will fall short to explain the experience:  Karthik Meiyappan

Talking to Khaleej Times, Karthik Meiyappan said that he gained lots of experience while bowling to legends like AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, and Aaron Finch. He tried to learn every small thing from the batters. Meiyappan maintains that he tried his best against the high-quality betters, which in turn improved his game.

“I think, the words will fall short to explain the experience I have gained while staying with the RCB. It was definitely great, like the legends they had in the squad, me trying to pick their brains, it was an incredible experience. I learned a lot in the two months that I was there. Definitely, it was a massive difference. I had to bring my A-game to bowl to them or at least try to bowl to them at a level which is decent.

“The intensity that they bring to the practice sessions is completely different. It’s almost like in a match. You know I was practicing with players that had unbelievable ability. I have improved my game by just bowling to them,” Karthik Meiyappan told Khaleej Times.

The 20-year-old Karthik Meiyappan was highly motivated while bowling to the likes of Kohli and de Villiers. Meiyappan has set his eyes on an IPL contract and wants to be more than just a net bowler.

The youngster also improved his bowling by learning from two established international leg-spinners; Adam Zampa and Yuzvednra Chahal. He learned the variations in pace and length from the two spinners.

“It definitely is a great motivation, like your hunger level increases by just getting a taste of the IPL. Now I want to achieve more. I want to be part of the squad in the coming years, and not be a net bowler,”

“Being a leg spinner was actually a cherry on the top of the cake for me. I couldn’t have asked for more, having Chahal and Zampa, was amazing. I spoke a lot to them about leg-spin bowling and cricket in general,” Karthik Meiyappan added.

RCB reached the playoffs finishing at the fourth spot, edging out Kolkata Knight Riders on the net run rate. Virat Kohli’s team lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Eliminator.

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