Apoorv Wankhade: Confident of finishing games for KKR

KKR's new recruit Apoorv Wankhade is hopeful of a good campaign in the Indian Premier League season 11.

Apoorv Wankhade spent three seasons with IPL franchise Mumbai Indians without getting a game.

Vidarbha batsman Apoorv Wankhade, KKR's newest recruit, played kho-kho, volleyball and athletics before taking up cricket. 

A B.A. final year student, Wankhade "hails from Anjangaon, a small hamlet in Maharashtra. It wasn't until grade seven that my parents asked me to focus on one game. 

"Then, we moved to Amravati where I finally turned to bat and ball. My parents have been extremely supportive of my decision since" Wankhade told Sportstar . 

KKR, which has invested heavily on uncapped Indians this season, has the likes of Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana and Ishank Jaggi in its ranks. 

With a good IPL catalysing chances of an India call-up, does he feel burdened by the competition in the team and subsequently the pressure to perform?

"Pressure is going to be there regardless of which tournament you play. The idea is to capitalise on the chances and repay the faith shown by the team management. 

"If I've got five matches at my disposal, the aim's to do well in at least three of those. Hopefully, we'll have a great campaign."

Apoorv, who sees himself as a finisher wants, "to be there till the last ball and win the match for my team. If I'm there at the death, I'm confident of seeing the team through." he said.

Having been part of the Vidarbha squad for seven years, did the thought of changing base for better opportunities ever cross his mind? "No, no. I'm glad to represent Vidarbha; we've so many big names in our team - having brushed shoulders with all of them, I consider myself very fortunate," he said.

Taking one step at a time

The 25-year-old has 201 runs from five matches including three half-centuries in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and feels "it's crucial to take one step at a time. After this, we have the Irani Trophy coming up and once that's over, I'll turn my attention to IPL. 

"I intend to go to Mumbai and practise there for a few days before joining the team camp ahead of the season."

And the right-hand batsman could be seen rolling his arm too come April. "I'm working on my bowling at the moment; medium pace mostly. But I won't try that before the IPL; I don't think I'm ready yet," he signed off.