Aayush Thakur on Arshdeep Singh (X.com)
Purani Dilli 6 pacer Aayush Thakur, who became the first bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL), has admitted that he learnt the art of bowling yorkers from India left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh during his stint with the Punjab Kings in the IPL as a net bowler.
The 21-year-old bowler, who represented India 'B' in an Under-19 Quadrangular international series, picked up a five-wicket haul that powered Purani Dilli 6 to a 20-run win over North Delhi Strikers at the Delhi Premier League on Tuesday.
"I speak to Arshdeep Singh a lot and I am still in touch with him I have learnt a lot from him in terms of executing my yorkers when there is dew," Ayush told reporters after the post-match ceremony.
Thakur, with 12 wickets in 7 matches, is currently second in the list of most wicket takers -- just one behind Simarjeet Singh (13 in 6 matches). He has been a net bowler in IPL for two years.
"I was a net bowler in the IPL for two years for Punjab Kings (2022) and Lucknow Super Giants (2023) so I do have a lot of experience of that, so implementing that very experience here was crucial," he said.
Thakur revealed that he started his career as a batter but there was sudden change in his career after joining the Sonnet Cricket Club under famed cricket coach Tarak Sinha.
"I was ready to transform myself into a bowler because there was a lot of fight and competition in Delhi for batters so the fast bowlers were fewer in numbers at that time. I have become a fast bowler now which feels great as I am also doing well for the team," he said.
What happened during NDS vs PDL in DPL 2024
Purani Delhi-6 secured a crucial 20-run victory over North Delhi Strikers, keeping their competition hopes alive. North Delhi Strikers, chasing 193, fell short with a final score of 172/7. Despite strong individual performances from Vaibhav Kandpal (57) and Yajas Sharma (41), two crucial run outs undermined their chase.
Aayush Singh Thakur's impressive 5/27 in 4 overs was pivotal for Purani Delhi-6. Earlier, Purani Delhi-6 set a target of 193 with key contributions from openers Arpit Rana (42) and Sanath Sangwan (47), and a late surge by Mayank Gusain (40* off 12 balls).
[With PTI Inputs]