<p>After claiming six wickets in his first Ranji game in over two years against Rajasthan last week, the left-arm spinner bagged only his second first-class five-wicket haul. In the process of his best bowling figures in an innings, the 22-year-old also completed 50 first-class wickets. <br /><br />“I am feeling really confident now,” Appanna said after the day’s play. “The first game was good for me, and this one as well. I am just looking forward to build on this success. The key (today) was sticking to basics and not bowl too many loose balls. Last game also I bowled well but was disappointed that we missed out on a chance to score an outright win. I will be happier if we can win this game,” he remarked.<br /><br />Anil Kumble’s encouraging words, Appanna pointed out, were of immense help at the beginning of the season. <br /><br />“He doesn’t discuss too many technical aspects but he told me ‘no matter what, I am going to back you this season. You are going to be my lead spinner.’ Coming back into the squad after a gap of two years, those words did wonders to my confidence,” he stressed.<br /><br />Appanna said he picked up some clues watching Railways’ left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, who too bagged a five-wicket haul on the opening day. “Kartik was just brilliant on the first day. I watched his video footage yesterday and noticed that he hardly bowled a loose ball. I just tried to follow what he did and I am glad it worked out for me,” he observed.</p>
<p>After claiming six wickets in his first Ranji game in over two years against Rajasthan last week, the left-arm spinner bagged only his second first-class five-wicket haul. In the process of his best bowling figures in an innings, the 22-year-old also completed 50 first-class wickets. <br /><br />“I am feeling really confident now,” Appanna said after the day’s play. “The first game was good for me, and this one as well. I am just looking forward to build on this success. The key (today) was sticking to basics and not bowl too many loose balls. Last game also I bowled well but was disappointed that we missed out on a chance to score an outright win. I will be happier if we can win this game,” he remarked.<br /><br />Anil Kumble’s encouraging words, Appanna pointed out, were of immense help at the beginning of the season. <br /><br />“He doesn’t discuss too many technical aspects but he told me ‘no matter what, I am going to back you this season. You are going to be my lead spinner.’ Coming back into the squad after a gap of two years, those words did wonders to my confidence,” he stressed.<br /><br />Appanna said he picked up some clues watching Railways’ left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, who too bagged a five-wicket haul on the opening day. “Kartik was just brilliant on the first day. I watched his video footage yesterday and noticed that he hardly bowled a loose ball. I just tried to follow what he did and I am glad it worked out for me,” he observed.</p>
