NEW DELHI: While Hrithik Shokeen is primarily known for his off-spin, he admits that batting is a role he takes seriously whenever the team needs him. And when you share the dressing room with a player like Suryakumar Yadav, the opportunities to learn are immense.
Hrithik was part of the Mumbai Indians for two seasons, where he gained invaluable insights from legends like Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, and Jasprit Bumrah.
"Surya bhai is a complete 360-degree player. I once asked him how he manages to play those incredible 'supla' shots. He laughed and told me that it comes from years of playing tennis-ball cricket. That's where he developed the confidence and timing to play strokes in every direction," Hrithik recalled.
The young all-rounder revealed that he even tried to pick up a few of those tricks himself. "I've been working on those shots and sometimes, you might even see me attempting them in the Delhi Premier League. It's fun to experiment and add new dimensions to my batting," he said with a grin.
Talking about his own form in DPL while playing for West Delhi Lions, Hrithik feels satisfied. "So far, things have gone well. Whenever I've got an opportunity, I've tried to contribute to the team. Touch wood, I hope the season continues this way."
Of course, his experience with MI has been invaluable. "The IPL teaches you so much - it helps in every part of life. The wickets in DPL are slightly better, quite similar to IPL tracks, so that experience definitely helps me adjust my bowling."
And what about facing Jasprit Bumrah in the nets? Hrithik laughed, recalling those moments. "I've faced him just a couple of times in the nets. Of course, I felt a little nervous at first, but then settled down. He bowls the same way in the nets as he does in matches - completely professional, with the same routine."
