“IPL is a real test of skill for all players and good performances will definitely be rewarded.”
By K.M. Chengappa
Mysore, May 14
Though due recognition came a bit late for rising talent K.P. Appanna (Ajay), the left arm spinner who created sensation in the on-going Indian Premier League (IPL) series, he is oozing with confidence of getting to play international matches soon, both the T20 format and the One-Day and Test matches.
Appanna of Royal Challengers Bangalore, who got widely appreciated for his four-wicket haul against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL match played on Apr. 24, was given credence for his performance by team-mate AB de Villiers, who in a moving gesture, gifted his Man of the Match award to Appanna [See pic.].
Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Appanna said that his selection to the Indian squad depended on his performance both in the IPL and the Ranji, as the selectors closely watched both these formats. “Many world-class batsmen play in the IPL and there is a lot of pressure on the players — not only the international players are under pressure with great expectations from them but the youngsters too have to live up to the standards in the shortest format of the game — which means the IPL is a real test of skill for all and good performances will definitely be rewarded,” opines Appanna.
Bogged down by a knee injury for the past year, Appanna is now fully fit and rearing to go, as he has been proving in the IPL through his spinning prowess, which the India team desperately needs now.
Appanna told SOM that he would like to continue with the RCB in the coming tournaments too and added that he had gre-atly benefited from the bowling tips from former international pla-yers Anil Kumble, Muttiah Murali-tharan and Venkatesh Prasad.
“Yes, I have improved myself a lot. I missed the entire last season due to the knee injury. Though it was very depressing, I had resolved to make myself fit and bounce back to action,” he said.
Appanna, as a specialist slow left arm leg-spinner and a right handed batsman, represented Karnataka at Under-14 level, later playing at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 level. Appanna made his first-class debut for Karnataka as a 17-year-old in 2006. In 2007, he played for India Under-19. He has also represented South Zone. He was selected in the squad for RCB (2009 IPL). He played again for RCB in the 2010 tournament. However, he was not contracted for 2011. In January 2012, he sig-ned for the 2012 tournament after a strong season for Karnataka.
Appanna, aged 23, is the son of Kotramada Prabhu and Rani, residents of Srimangala village in Kodagu. App-anna has an elder brother, Abhishek. Appanna, who began his primary education at a school in Kutta village, Kodagu, continued studies in Bangalore from 5th standard. “Though I love to play hockey, I got more into cricket and was given a lot of encouragement by my parents, physical education teachers and friends,” recalls Appanna who looked forward to the match against Mumbai Indians this evening.
Former Ranji player for Karnataka, S. Vijayaprakash, who also is the Convenor of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Mysore, was all praises for Appanna. “He is a very good bowler and his recent performance will gain credence, considering that he was not in the Ranji squad for the last two seasons owing to injury,” said Vijayaprakash, adding, “Though T20 format has ruined the original game of cricket, the short version helps the players improve in their skills because of the pressure and the chances of getting injured too is higher.”
Vijayaprakash, who said that since Appanna has come back with flying colours in the IPL, his Ranji performance too will be judged, and wished him all the best for his likelihood of being a part of Team India.
source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / by K.M. Chengappa / Monday, May 14th, 2012
