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Himanshu was among the net bowlers during India’s six-day camp in Chennai before their two-Test series against Bangladesh.
Himanshu Singh (L) receiving his debut cap from Shams Mulani (R)
Young off-spinner Himanshu Singh hogged the limelight for his match-winning spell for Mumbai as the defending champions defeated Odisha in their Elite Group A match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The 21-year-old registered his best match figures of 3/53 and 4/77 to help Mumbai register an innings and 103 runs win.
Himanshu was among the net bowlers during India’s six-day camp in Chennai before their two-Test series against Bangladesh. That experience seemed to have percolated into his effort in domestic cricket.
Speaking with the media after a stunning win over Odisha, Himanshu said the confidence stemming from his experience of bowling against star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the pre-season net sessions in Chennai has now reflected in his outings in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
“I had gone there (Chennai) first, (playing in the) Ranji (Trophy) happened for me later. I got a lot of confidence after bowling there against big players. The confidence is now reflecting here and I am happy about it,” Himanshu told the media.
“I learned a lot from looking at how those players prepared and I also spoke with them. It was a great experience for six days. I enjoyed bowling to Dhruv Jurel. The wickets there were mostly flat. I bowled a lot to him and he was doing well. So, I enjoyed the contest,” he said.
When asked about his experience of bowling to India’s batting pillars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Himanshu said, “I bowled at them and beat both of them, but beating Virat bhai was more satisfying. I spoke with (Ravindra) Jadeja about his preparations etc.”
Himanshu said he has learned a lot about the art of off-spin while watching veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and his Aussie counterpart Nathan Lyon.
“I only follow two bowlers worldwide, Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin. What I have learned about off-spin bowling in white and red-ball cricket has been from watching them bowl,” he said.
Himanshu got a big break by getting a chance in Mumbai’s playing XI after Tanush Kotian was selected for the India A tour to Australia. Kotian was rewarded for being consistent with both the bat and the ball for Mumbai. Himanshu knows he has a big challenge ahead.
“My only competition is with me. If I perform well I will justify my position in the team. I don’t see anyone as a competition,” he said.
“The advantage (with my height) is that I get bounce, especially on the red-soil wickets. Mostly on black soil, the variation of bounce is there.”
“I wasn’t as tall in my childhood so I used to focus only on batting, I used to bowl part-time but coaches started telling me to focus on my bowling too and my graph went up. My height grew after 10th class,” he added.
(With Agency Inputs)
