left arm young fast bowler Naman Tiwari Recently he spoke candidly about his cricket journey, inspirations and ambitions. Tiwary revealed that he started his cricket career as a batsman, but switched to bowling after seeing that fast bowlers in his academy got more chances and required less expensive equipment.
In an exclusive chat with CricTracker, the 20-year-old named the three pacers as his three favorite fast bowlers of all time, learning from each rather than following any one role model. Family support played an important role in his career, with Tiwari recalling how his parents supported him when he chose cricket over academics at the age of 13, and he received his first salary of around Rs 500 at the under-14 level.
Recently bought by LSG for Rs 1 crore, Tiwary is coming into the 2024 Under-19 World Cup with 12 wickets in six matches and 19 wickets in 10 matches in the UP T20 League at an average of 16.26 and a strike rate of 11.00.
Some excerpts:
When you thought of playing cricket as a child, what was the moment or thing that attracted you towards cricket? And did you want to be a bowler from the beginning, or did you have something else in mind?
I started as a batsman. I used to bat when I was a kid, but when I joined an academy, I didn't get many opportunities to bat. Also, the equipment was quite expensive at that time. I saw that the bowlers were bowling more and getting more chances to play, so that's when I made the change.
You are known for your outswing bowling, so which bowlers did you follow and take inspiration from in your childhood?
I wouldn't call it an idol. I have three favorite bowlers and I try to learn from anyone. But my three all-time favorite fast bowlers are Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah and Dale Steyn.
I read somewhere that you had asked for two years' time from your father and said that you only need two years to make a name for yourself in cricket. Can you tell us a bit about it, and also what overall role your family has played in your cricket journey?
I was 13 years old, and it was a 50-50 decision between focusing on studies or focusing on cricket. Once I started playing seriously, it became difficult to manage studies along with sports. So, I decided that if I choose cricket, I will work really hard at it. I played under-14 cricket and got my first payment. I think it was the daily allowance; You get DA at that level. My parents were extremely happy that I earned my first paycheck at the age of 13. The amount didn't really matter; It was a big moment for me and for him too. I don't remember the amount properly. It was around 500 or so.
You've also spent time with RR in the IPL as a net bowler, so have you learned any important lessons or tips from any international-level bowler, or any member of the coaching staff or management team?
You can imagine what it would be like for a 16-year-old boy who hasn't seen much of the world. We were all from the same state, so in that sense it felt familiar. Something unforgettable happened on my very first day. I had reached late at night and when I opened my door the next morning, Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal were standing outside my room and talking to each other. I was amazed. So, you can imagine what kind of experience it was. In terms of learning, I achieved a lot. Lasith Malinga sir and Kumar Sangakkara sir were there. Whatever he told me, I tried to absorb it, imitate it and continuously work on it.
If not Lucknow team then which other team would you like to play for in IPL?
I stayed in Lucknow for two years and I realized deep inside that I wanted to go with them. There was also Rajasthan Royals. I spent two years there and in a way grew up with that franchise, I joined it when I was 16-17 years old, I share a strong bond with both the teams. I am very grateful to LSG management and Sanjiv Goenka sir for giving me the opportunity.
Is there a player in the league that you will watch the most and try to learn the most from?
Anrich Nortje is a fast bowler. I am very excited and passionate about becoming India's fastest bowler. If I get any suggestion from him, I will take it forward.
Which batsman would you like to bowl to in the IPL and whose wicket would you dream of taking?
My mindset is that I can bowl or bat at any stage of the game and contribute to the team when needed. My favorite wicket is Virat Kohli. As a bowler, I don't get nervous before taking the field.
Did you have any conversation with him after being selected for IPL? Did he tell you anything? And did you ever talk to Rishabh Pant?
Got a call from Vinay Chopra sir, CEO of Lucknow Supergiants. I also got a call from Shashwat Goenka sir and Sanjeev Goenka sir. It was very good.
What was Sanju Samson's reaction when you bowled to him for the first time? Did he give you any suggestions?
He told me that I was bowling well. I was 16 years old. I was bowling around 130-135. I was clicking in between. It was Stephen Jones. He liked me very much. He told me that I was bowling well at such a young age. He told me that my future was bright. I liked Sanju Samson very much.
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