Mature Pankaj wants to be quicker
As Rajasthan rode on a fine bowling display of pace spearhead Pankaj Singh to enter into the Ranji Trophy final, the bowler says he has learnt the art of getting a “batsman out” but insists he wants to add another “couple of yards to his pace”.
“I have learnt to plan to get a batsman out and also to bowl in right areas. My main weapon was the outswinger but now I have learnt to move the ball both ways,” said Pankaj, whose four-wicket haul against Haryana in the second innings of the Ranji Trophy semifinal match was instrumental in shaping Rajasthan’s victory.
Pankaj, who was picked by the selectors for the Australian tour in 2008 after S Sreesanth and Munaf Patel were ruled out with injuries, said he has evolved as a cricketer over the years and has learnt to take failures in his stride.
“When I was picked for Australia, I had little experience but now I have matured a lot. I have learnt to take the failures in my stride and also not get disheartened,” Pankaj told PTI.
The lanky pacer, however, feels that he needs to be quicker by a few kilometers to add sting to his bowling. “I am still bowling at 130-135 kmph and want to add a few more yards to my pace,” said Pankaj, who has managed to take 32 wickets in this Ranji season so far.
The 26-year-old said that he would start working on his action after the completion of the Ranji Trophy to enhance his speed. “Meyrick Pringle (bowling coach) has suggested a couple of finer points in my action which help me increase my speed. Soon after the Ranji finals against Tamil Nadu I would start working on the technical adjustments,” he pointed.
The former South African fast bowler was appointed as the bowling coach of the Rajasthan cricket team mid-way through this Ranji season.
Pankaj was also hopeful of making a comeback to the national side with a stream of good performances in the domestic circuit. “I want to give my best. For the past three years I have been among the top wicket takers in domestic cricket. I picked 43 wickets last season. I already have 32 wickets to my name this year. I believe these performances were taken note of by the national selectors,” he said.
He was also optimistic that his team would defend their title against Tamil Nadu but said the hosts had got some serious talent in their ranks.
“Tamil Nadu is a good side and have bunch of experienced players,” he insisted.
