Hodge praises 'unique' Kaushik

Brad Hodge, the Gujarat Lions coach, has praised left-arm spinner Shivil Kaushik for his 'outstanding' work ethic and application for his team in the IPL season so far.

While impressed with Kaushik (right), Brad Hodge was clear in pointing out that he was a work in progress.

Gujarat Lions coach Brad Hodge was all praise for its spinner Shivil Kaushik. Kaushik, who stands out with a highly unorthodox left-arm chinaman action, was selected by the franchise despite having no first-class experience under his belt.

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The Karnataka lad has been called into action in Gujarat's last five matches, and has taken four wickets at a pleasing economy rate of 7.5 per over. Speaking on the eve of the side's clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore here, Hodge said, "Shivil has been outstanding. He's a young man who has come into the side with little experience. His work ethic has been outstanding, and he's taken on any sort of advice that's been given to him. He knows that his fielding is not up to the mark, but he's only a youngster. He is still understanding what it's like to be an IPL player and everything that comes with it.

Shivil offers something that is unique, and in the world of cricket, that's fairly important. We'll continue to work with Shivil. His application has been outstanding. He's only been going at just over 6-6.5 an over - that's very good."