He hails from Bikaner, trains mostly in Jaipur, is associated with Chennai Super Kings despite having been a part of two other IPL franchises so far and is now representing Baroda – his third team in domestic cricket – since the last season. And he is just 22. Welcome to the world of Akash Singh.
Living a somewhat nomadic lifestyle and turning professional early in his career — first representing Nagaland and then heeding Kiran More’s advice to join Baroda as a guest player last season — is not uncommon for a young domestic cricketer. However, there is more to Akash’s story. At such a young age, he has already faced the risk of being pigeonholed as a white-ball specialist.
While a few IPL talent scouts present at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium were likely impressed by Akash’s performance on Saturday, it was his red-ball skills that truly captured everyone's attention. Bowling with the old ball on a turning track, Akash’s remarkable figures of three for 19 played a crucial role in securing a firm grip for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy tie.
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“It’s important for a player at my stage of career to not be billed as a white-ball specialist, so I am happy with my performance in that regard,” a soft-spoken Akash told Sportstar after the second day’s play.
“More importantly, I am elated with the fact that I could justify the faith that the team has shown in me. When you play as a professional, you are expected to deliver every time the team asks something of you. And to be able to bowl with the old ball on a pitch that was turning, and to execute my plans against a big team and pick those wickets is pleasing.”
If Baroda converts the first innings lead into an outright win, Akash will indeed feel like having found a home away from home for himself!
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