Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi has credited coach Abhishek Nayar as the mentor behind his success, saying that Nayar has been coaching him since childhood. The 18-year-old batsman scored an impressive 27-ball knock of 54 against Delhi Capitals.
Nayar is also associated with KKR in the capacity of assistant coach.
Raghuvanshi made his IPL debut as an impact player in the last match against RCB, but didn't get a chance to bat.
He was promoted to number 3 and made the most of his opportunity against Delhi Capitals. He added important runs with Sunil Narine and played a key role in KKR's victory.
In his first innings, Angkrish shared a 104-run stand with Sunil Narine and also scored his maiden IPL fifty. The pair helped KKR post 272 runs in their 20 overs. The young batsman scored 54 off 27 deliveries and dedicated the explosive knock to Nayar and the rest of the KKR side.
The youngster played a brilliant reverse sweep for six and credited Nayar for teaching him to play unorthodox shots:
“I thank coach Abhishek Nayar and my teammates and support staff for teaching me so much. I dedicate my innings to them. Abhishek has coached me since childhood, pushing me to master shots like the reverse sweep through extensive practice. Abhishek has been the ‘main man’ in my development.”
Like many other talented youngsters in India, Angkrish expressed his hope of one day pulling on an India jersey and his desire to stand out from the crowd.
KKR will take on CSK in Chennai on April 8.