IPL 2021: It Was A Different Feeling Altogether To See MS Dhoni Behind The Stumps When I Took Guard – Ripal Patel
Updated - 05 Oct 2021, 07:51 PM
Ripal Patel the hard-hitting batter from Gujarat made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 50th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday, October 4.
Patel came in as a replacement for Australian Steve Smith in the team and Delhi Capitals decided to go with three overseas players in the high profile clash against Chennai Super Kings. Ripal got the opportunity to bat alongside veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan and he was able to score 18 runs from 20 balls.
Ripal Patel’s debut was a memorable one as he was going up against his childhood hero and legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni. Also, he got the opportunity to chat with the CSK captain after winning the match.
Patel told that it was a very different feeling to see MS Dhoni keeping the wickets when he came to bat. He asserted:
“It was a different feeling altogether to see Mahi bhai behind the stumps when I took guard. It felt really good that Mahi bhai was watching me play,”
The 26-year-old said that he started playing cricket watching MS Dhoni and he wants to become a finisher like Dhoni. Patel said:
“I started playing cricket watching Mahi bhai and I am looking to become a finisher like him.
The Delhi Capitals batter also told that he had a very good chat with the CSK skipper. Ripal Patel stated:
“After the game, I asked him how he finishes every match, how he thinks on the field and what goes on in his mind while chasing a score. We had a good chat and he gave me a lot of confidence.”
I Was Really Happy When I Received My Cap From Mishy Bhai – Ripal Patel
Meanwhile, The 26-year-old told that he was happy to receive the Delhi Capitals cap from Amit Mishra. However, he didn’t felt that it was his first Indian Premier League (IPL) game. He elaborated:
“I was really happy when I received my cap from Mishy bhai. It didn’t feel like it was my first match. I felt really good going into the match. I just looked to back myself and enjoy every part of the game.”
Patel signed off by stating that he was aiming to finish the game for Delhi in his debut match.
“When I went into bat (at 71/3), we needed to score at a run-a-ball pace. I aimed to finish the match for the team. Shikhar Bhai (Dhawan) told me to take my time at the crease, so I took my time and enjoyed my batting,” he added.
Meanwhile, with a win over Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals have reached the top of the points table to make their chances strong for finishing in the top 2.
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IPL 2021 MS Dhoni Ripal Patel
