Dhoni keeping wickets to my bowling was a long-time dream of mine, says Basil Thampi
Last night, when the Indian T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series was announced, the selectors named three rookies in the side which include the likes of Baroda batsman Deepak Hooda, Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar and Kerala pacer Basil Thampi.
The trio was rewarded for their consistent performance in the domestic circuit of late. Playing for Gujarat Lions, Thampi made a name for himself with his exploits in the tournament. Though he took just 11 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 38 and an economy of 9.5, numbers that might not look good in T20s, he impressed everyone with his bowling, especially when he was plying his trade in the death overs.
In spite of the average numbers, he was adjudged the Emerging Player of the tournament ahead of the likes of Washington, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Rana etc. He followed his IPL success with some good performances for India A, in the Duleep Trophy and in the Ranji Trophy.
Sportskeeda caught up with the fast bowler in an exclusive chat after his selection.
Also read: From the hinterlands of Kerala to galloping around in Gujarat: The inspiring story of Basil Thampi
He was happy to be picked in the national side for the first time and described that moment as the best in his life. "Last night, Kerala Cricket Association secretary Jayesh George called me and informed me about the selection. I got goosebumps hearing that news. I still cannot believe that this has happened. I am feeling super excited. I would say that this is the best moment in my life so far," he said.
"To be honest, I never thought that this day will come. I always set short goals for myself like I should play for Kerala, then wanted to play in Ranji Trophy, then List A and T20s for Kerala, then IPL if I get picked by one of the franchises. By God's grace, everything went as per the plan and I am very happy for it. Playing in the IPL gave me a lot of confidence. Following the IPL, I played for India A and then in the Duleep Trophy after which I thought that I have a 50-50 chance of playing for India but I wasn't expecting a national call-up so soon," he added.
MS Dhoni keeping wickets while I am bowling was my long-time dream
One of Thampi's best moments in the IPL was when he dismissed MS Dhoni for just a 33-ball 26 when Gujarat Lions played Rising Pune Supergiant at the SCA stadium in Rajkot.
Seven months down the line, he is set to play alongside the former Indian skipper and he couldn't hide his excitement about this.
"I am honoured to play alongside someone like MS Dhoni. Having Dhoni stand behind the wickets while I am bowling was a long-time dream of mine. Now there is a chance for that to happen. It is like a dream come true for me," he said.
Also read: Elated Washington Sundar speaks about his maiden India call-up
Alongside Thampi, 18-year-old Washington Sundar was also named in the Indian squad and the relationship between these two go back a long way as both play for MRF's Globetrotters in the Tamil Nadu first division league. Thampi was happy for the teenager as he was picked to play for India for the first time.
"I am very happy for Washington too. It feels good that me and my friend, with whom I have played a lot of cricket, get our maiden national call-up at the same time. This is a big moment for the MRF family and Senthil sir (M Senthilnathan, MRF pace academy's head coach) was really happy for both of us," he concluded.
If Thampi gets a chance to play in the T20I matches, it will be a visual treat for the Indian fans to see both him and Jasprit Bumrah bowl in tandem as they both, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, have the best yorker in the country by a distance.