Negi hopes to leave a mark

Southpaw keen to turn things around with RCB

Following a disappointing season with the Delhi Daredevils last year, all-rounder Pawan Negi is eager to make a mark with the Royal Challengers Bangalore this time around.

Negi, who was bought for a whopping amount of Rs 8.5 crore, had a forgettable tournament with the Daredevils, scoring just 57 runs in eight matches. The left-arm spinner was a disaster with the ball too, failing to take a single wicket in the nine overs that he bowled.

Negi was picked by RCB for Rs 1 crore and the Delhi player is upbeat on doing well.

“I didn’t have a good IPL last year but every player undergoes such phase. I didn’t let my poor performance affect my confidence but instead worked hard on my batting and bowling,” said Negi during RCB’s practice session here at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Monday.

Negi said working with coach Daniel Vettori, a former left-arm spinning all-rounder, has given him immense confidence. “Vettori is my idol and training with him has helped me a lot. He has been working on my bowling grip and line and length for the past couple of days. Here at the Chinnaswamy line and length matters a lot because if you are wayward then you end up giving away too many runs,” Negi explained.

Negi was the most expensive uncapped player to be bought in last year’s auction but the 24-year-old denied price tag pressure being one of the factors behind his failure.

“I didn’t face any pressure due to the money. Irrespective of the money or the team, I believe in giving my 100 percent,” he offered.    

With Shane Watson and Stuart Binny being the other two all-rounders in the squad, Negi will have to fight for his place in the playing eleven.

“There is no competition between us and we encourage each other. If I get a chance to play I will give my best. It is an absolute honour to share the dressing room with such good players. Just by speaking to them, knowing how they get to prepare for a game you can  learn so much,” he said.

Sarfaraz IPL-10 stint uncertain
Even as Royal Challengers Bangalore were recovering from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli blows, middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan picked up an injury on Monday that has left his IPL 10 prospects in balance.

“Owing to leg injury during the final practice match in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz will most likely be unavailable to play this IPL, and we are evaluating the same with the BCCI,” said a statement from the RCB.

“His absence will be definitely felt on the field, and we wish him speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.