IPL 2022: To Wake Up And See You've Been Signed Up Is Pretty Cool - Daryl Mitchell On Gaining IPL Contract

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell went unsold in the first round of the IPL 2022 mega auction but was later picked up by Rajasthan Royals. It was a pleasant surprise for Mitchell, who had gone to bed thinking he may go unsold.

Mitchell was brilliant in last year’s T20 World Cup and his performances there are likely what helped him get a contract eventually. All-rounders are always in demand especially in the IPL and Mitchell fits the role perfectly. Speaking about how it feels to be picked in the IPL for the first time, Mitchell said:

“It’s always a bit bizarre experiencing it. Me and my wife watched it last night [Sunday] and didn’t get picked the first time so we went to sleep thinking that it was all done. Obviously, to wake up and see that you’ve been signed up for Rajasthan Royals is pretty cool.“

“And yeah, really looking forward to the experience over the next few months. It’s obviously the biggest T20 comp in the world and to be able to go and rub shoulders with some of the world-class players and play in a world tournament like that, it’s only gonna help you become a better player,” Mitchell added in the video released by New Zealand’s Twitter account.

What's it like to be picked up in the @<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L Auction for the first time? Find out from @<!---->d<!---->a<!---->z<!---->m<!---->i<!---->t<!---->c<!---->h<!---->e<!---->l<!---->l<!---->4<!---->7 who will be joining @<!---->r<!---->a<!---->j<!---->a<!---->s<!---->t<!---->h<!---->a<!---->n<!---->r<!---->o<!---->y<!---->a<!---->l<!---->s this season and hear from bowling coach @<!---->s<!---->h<!---->a<!---->n<!---->e<!---->j<!---->u<!---->r<!---->g<!---->o about the benefits of players getting experience in the IPL. #<!---->C<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t<!---->N<!---->a<!---->t<!---->i<!---->o<!---->n p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->E<!---->n<!---->O<!---->G<!---->Z<!---->L<!---->X<!---->b<!---->i<!---->E

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->2

“It doesn’t get much better than that” – Daryl Mitchell on the prospect of playing with Samson, Buttler

The Rajasthan dressing room is quite stacked with plenty of big names in the cricketing world having bagged a stint there ahead of the new season. Among them, Mitchell is looking forward to playing with Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler.

“And for me, it’s just about getting as much experience as I can and hopefully, win a few perfect games on the way. Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler are there – two pretty cool players and Kumar Sangakkara, the coach as well, it doesn’t get much better than that,” Mitchell added.

Also Read – IND vs WI: You Don’t Have To Prepare Ishan Kishan, He’s Ready – Harbhajan Singh