Hitting the right lengths

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Mohit Sharma is now a familiar name in Indian cricket after his commendable show in his debut series against Zimbabwe recently. The 24-year-old Haryana medium pacer’s impressive bowling with the new ball for Chennai Super Kings during the last IPL paved the way for his inclusion in the Indian ODI team.

The well-built fast bowler is in Chennai to play for his state in the Buchi Babu tournament. Mohit was rested for Haryana’s opening match against Hyderabad on Friday. He spoke to this newspaper on his meteoric rise.
Mohit played under Dhoni in the IPL and made his India debut with Virat Kohli at the helm. How would he compare the king and his heir apparent? “I saw no difference in their leadership skills. Both Dhoni and Kohli are always positive in their approach. They instill confidence in the youngsters,” said Mohit, who is the second Indian after Sandeep Patil to bag the man of the match award on debut.
The youngster said he received great support on and off the field from the big names of his IPL team. “Andy Bichel, CSK’s bowling coach, and all the seniors helped me a lot. Mahi, Suresh Raina and Mike Hussey gave me valuable tips,” added Mohit, who picked 20 wickets from 15 IPL matches last term.
Mohit who was the fifth highest wicket taker in the last Ranji season with 37 scalps is keen to carry on the good work. “I’m looking forward to improving my performance in the Ranji. I don’t have a specific target. I only want to give my best,” he said.
Mohit never looked awed in the presence of star players in both the IPL and the Indian team. “Playing a lot of matches for Haryana in the Ranji Trophy helped me mature as a cricketer. That’s why I didn’t look the odd-man out in any team,” he said.
The Haryana bowler’s celebration after claiming his first ODI wicket — Zimbabwe’s Sikander Raza — was muted: just a look up to the skies to thank god followed by a gentle jog towards his teammates with a smile. Was it Dhoni effect?
“I always try to be normal and composed. I thanked god after the wicket and that’s all. I am not a guy who celebrates a lot,” he said. Like so many other modern-day Indian cricketers Mohit also says South African pacer Dale Steyn is his role model. “I just love the way he bowls,” he said.