Milind makes most of chance

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Delhi’s Milind Kumar en route to his unbeaten 78 against England XI on Tuesday.

Delhi Ranji player Milind Kumar displayed maturity beyond his years and a perfect example of pacing an innings in a one day game during his unbeaten knock of 78 against England XI in the visitors’ second practice game at the Kotla on Tuesday. And the youngster is hopeful that this knock will boost his confidence.

“I will rate it as perhaps my best knock in limited overs cricket so far because it was against an international side. Making runs against an international side consisting of such good bowlers will do a world of good for my confidence,” Kumar told this paper on Thursday.
For someone, who has been on the fringes on the Delhi Ranji team this season, playing only in one game, it was always a case of grabbing the chances that came his way.
He faltered in the game against Odisha making 10 but against the Englishmen, the 21-year-old cashed in, which augurs well for him in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“It’s tough to break into the Delhi team because you have to perform on every chance and you can’t let anything slip away. Yes, there is pressure whenever I get a chance because my place is not assured but with this knock, I am confident that I can produce more such innings.”
Kumar, who has played at no. 4 or 5 throughout his career, faced some problems with the new ball in his first senior season last year but he has been practicing hard at the nets to get rid of the shortcoming.
Even in club games, he has batted higher up the order to adjust to the needs of senior cricket.
“I started well last year in my debut Ranji game with a century but had some issues playing with the new ball because many times I was in the middle very early in the innings.
“But I have been practicing to play with the new ball. Even in club games, I have batted up the order and am confident of playing at two or three down,” he said.
While many who played alongside Milind in age group tournaments have made their appearances in the Indian Premier League, the youngster is still waiting for his chance.
“I am hopeful of getting a chance in IPL but I need to keep playing like the way I did here,” he added.