New Delhi: It really pays to be Unmukt Chand these days as he discovers that Delhi Daredevils’ star players Kevin Pietersen, Mahela Jayawardene and Morne Morkel have enough time to discuss cricketing matters with the youngster.
“You really feel confident when you have a session with someone like Kevin Pietersen. I had an elaborate session in Pretoria where he gave me some valuable tips on technique,” Unmukt revealed from Durban.
“I was trying to hit every ball out of sight and KP told me not to do that as I wasn’t shaping up correctly. He told me that unlike in India where one can accelerate in a T20 game from the first ball, it’s not possible in South Africa.
“He advised that since I will bat up the order, I should be cautious during the initial phase and then start attacking. I should check my shape while trying to play attacking shots,” stated the former India U-19 captain who got a chance to pick the star batsman’s brains.
If he got Pietersen to talk on batting, his skipper Mahela Jayawardene gave him a compliment after the KKR match that he will remember for a long time.
“Mahela told me that under the circumstances, my innings was one of the best in T20 that he has seen. It was indeed a proud moment when something like this comes from a player of his stature.”
“And Morne has started calling me a ‘Legend’ and pats my back whenever he gets a chance,” he laughs.
The six Unmukt hit off Jacques Kallis’ bowling during a CLT20 match was a “special one” and he feels that it got him the momentum.
“Hitting Kallis for a six was special. It was right there in my slot and I timed it really well. The six gave me the momentum to build an innings,” he added.
New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor was a constant source of encouragement during that partnership.
“Ross was telling me to concentrate on singles and twos and try to hang in for as long as possible. When all these players share pearls of wisdom, it feels that I am on the right track.
“Two years ago when I joined Daredevils, I didn’t know that I could chat with them at length. But it has sunk in and I feel it’s normal now.” (PTI)