Sportskeeda Exclusive Interview: Ankeet Chavan of Rajasthan Royals
IPL always throws up a few youngsters every year. Be it R. Ashwin or Shaun Marsh, IPL has always surprised us with new talent. A few go on to make it big in the international arena while the rest move to the background. This year too, IPL has come up with a few Indian youngsters who have caught the eye with some commanding performances.
One such young Indian prospect has been Ankeet Chavan. This young slow left arm off spinner from Mumbai has caught the attention of the cricketing world with his fearless bowling in the power plays. Though he has not picked up a bagful of wickets yet has managed a healthy economy rate.
He’s what he said when Sportskeeda caught up with him.
Q. Currently at No.5 on the points table.Do you think your team can make it to the Top 4?
Ankeet- Obviously. The team is doing well, not really thinking where we will finish but yes the immediate goal for the team is to get through to the top 4. We are playing well as a unit and if we can keep our performance we should definitely make it.
Q. You play as an all-rounder for Mumbai and have done quite well this season. Do you think you are getting enough opportunities in the Rajasthan Royals in this IPL?
Ankeet- By the grace of god things have gone quite well this domestic season. Its certainly better than what I did last year. I only played two games last year to four games already in this year. We are just half way through the tournament so far, so there’s still a long way to go. IPL is a long tournament and it’s not easy for players to play all the games. So, I definitely hope to get few more opportunities.
Q. How important is IPL for youngsters like you?
Ankeet- For younger players like me, this tournament is really very important as this is a very big stage to perform. One inning or one match can change the way people think about you. The other major plus is that we get to interact with so many international players, something we never even imagined in our wildest dreams. One gets a chance to learn loads of things from them only just by mere interaction. And playing with and against such quality players helps us improving our own standards. So, yes, all in all its the best opportunity for players like us.
Q. What advice does Rahul Dravid give to youngsters like you when you go out to play?
Ankeet- Not just to youngsters but he gives only one advice to all the players. He asks all of us to enjoy the game and give 100% efforts that you have in yourself as a player. He never puts you under any kind of pressure, but encourages you all the time. He is such a great player and to interact and learn from him is an experience for any young player.
Q. Do you think IPL is the ideal way to pave your way into the Indian Team?
Ankeet- Well, I can’t really say about the Indian team but like I said, it’s a very big stage where you can perform and get in the eyes of people worldwide. And since there is such a huge viewership, you hope that someone takes count of your performances too.
Q. Next up for Rajasthan Royals is Delhi Daredevils. Are you positive about the good result?
Ankeet- Of course. Before going into a game, the team will always be positive of doing well and so are we. I know Delhi is a strong team and they have very dangerous players. Right now, they are at the top pf the table and are playing very well but we are quite confident that we can play good cricket and force a positive result. So yes, I am looking forward to play against the likes of Sehwag and Pietersen.