New Delhi: When the fast bowler Saurabh Dubey Selected by Kolkata Knight Riders as Akash Deep’s injury replacement, he raised many eyebrows. Why dobe? Why a net bowler over a senior domestic pacer? And why is he ahead of experienced names like Navdeep Saini, KM Asif, Samarjit Singh, Akash Madhwal and Sandeep Warrier, who were also in contention? KKR had in fact held trials to identify replacements for Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, in which several of their bowlers participated.Adding to the doubts was Dubey’s prolonged absence from competitive cricket. He did not play for nearly two-and-a-half years, his last appearance for Vidarbha coming in October 2023 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he went wicketless in three matches. In his last outing, he conceded 63 not out in four overs against Bengal.But KKR saw something different. Dubey is understood to have trained extensively in the KKR nets, bowling intensively under the supervision of the coaching staff. His performances against senior batsmen in practice sessions gave him a wide berth, and he eventually edged out more experienced contenders during the trials.Despite all the uncertainty and noise, Dubey remained composed – carrying drinks, carrying bats, relaying messages from the coaching staff, and quietly waiting for his chance.And when she arrived, she counted it.Dubey made his IPL debut for KKR against RCB, bowling 2.1 overs for 21 runs at an economy of 9.69. He went wicketless in KKR’s six-wicket loss.He was given another opportunity against the Gujarat Titans and responded with much effect, taking the wicket of Jos Buttler at a crucial stage. He finished with figures of 2.4-0-23-1 in KKR’s 29-run win.In a must-win clash against Mumbai Indians On Wednesday, the left-arm pacer from Vidarbha produced a brilliant performance. He troubled Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton with a mixture of yorkers and tight lengths, conceding just four runs in his opening over. In his next over, he removed Rohit for 15, before cleaning out Surya Kumar Yadav with a quick delivery that hit the stumps.Dubey had earlier spoken to TimesofIndia.com after being selected as an alternate, revealing the pressure of stepping on the big stage:“The pressure will be on. It will be cooked. [Pressure will be there for sure]. It’s a big stage, so there will be pressure. More likely, I will give my best. At this level, handling pressure is something you should know. Playing for KKR is a big deal. With this kind of support, whatever pressure comes, I would like to handle it and deliver,” Dubey had said.He also recalled how head coach Abhishek Nair announced his selection at the dinner table.“Abhishek sir announced the news. I was nervous at first, and it turned into excitement when every player, including captain Ajinkya Rahane Bhaiya, came to shake my hand and hug me. It was an amazing feeling,” he said.“When I came (to KKR), I mostly spoke to the coaches. I also had a little chat with Ajinkya bhai. During the practice matches and also after, I had a chat with the coaches, Abhishek Sir and other staff. I had a little talk and chat with them. Whatever plan they gave me, the chat was around how I could execute,” he said.“In the early sessions, DJ Bravo sir and Abhishek sir were there. He was guiding me and telling me what can be done. They are around and help you understand your plans and how to approach things. There were certain areas they wanted me to bowl. It was a huge learning experience for me,” Dubey said.Dubey, who was the highest wicket-taker for India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, was earlier picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2022 but missed the game due to injury. He also spent time as a net bowler with Mumbai Indians.Coaching by South African legend Dale Steyn helped him hone his skills.
What is the most important criteria for a bowler at IPL level?
“My overall experience at SRH was really good. Dale Steyn was the bowling coach there, and spending time with him taught me a lot. From bowling lessons to fitness tips, I learned a lot from him,” he recalled.But this is India’s fast pace. Zaheer Khan Which encouraged him to bowl the fastest.“Zaheer Khan is my hero. I used to watch him as a kid, and when I started bowling I tried to emulate him initially, he is my idol. I also admire Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah, I like Starc a lot. I try to take the brains of both these bowlers, understand their mentality and apply it to my left-arm bowling.”
