IPL 2016: Chinaman exponent Shivil Kaushik opens up about his unusual action
Watching Paul Adams go about his business was one of the most eccentric sights in world cricket during the 90s. After a long time, the sport is seeing a youngster who could very well be his successor. Shivil Kaushik has burst on to the IPL by replicating Adams’ iconic ‘frog in a blender’ action and instantly capturing attention.
In an interview with iplt20.com, the 20-year old spoke candidly on his inimitable action and the journey so far. Originally from Karnataka, the chinaman practitioner had been a net bowler for as many as three different franchises during previous editions of the IPL.
Kaushik reminisced, "I was eight when I first played cricket and had picked up chinaman as it came naturally. I haven’t changed my action since then. The batsmen found it difficult and my friends too said I must continue.“
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Apart from his coaches, the spinner also thanked the iconic Anil Kumble for encouraging him. Kaushik enthused, "Many people have supported me throughout. Many coaches have helped me and they have not tinkered with my action. Kumble sir has been very supportive.”
When asked about the comparison with Adams, he quipped, “I was 15 and got into competitive cricket when somebody told me that I bowl like Paul Adams. And then I watched a few videos of his bowling. Being tall is definitely an advantage as I get more bounce and purchase from the wicket.”
The Gujarat Lions bowler refuted possible injury-related concerns surrounding his bowling action. The left-armer claimed, "It is something that has come naturally to me, so my body does not take much of a load. My body is accustomed to the stress as this is how I’ve bowled right from the start. To get my rhythm going, I just need to practice more and keep bowing.”
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He was understandably delighted with his experience in the IPL after picking up the wickets of high-quality batsmen such as Murali Vijay, Shaun Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell. Kaushik felt, "It feels really nice that a lot of people are talking about me, but I think that it is more important to remain focused.”
The promising cricketer added, “At this stage, I just want to contribute to the team. I am not looking too far ahead. I just want to contribute at little places wherever I can and help the team win.”