NEW DELHI: Playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL is always a dream-come-true moment for any budding cricketer given the popularity of the team, and when the young spinner Hrithik Shokeen's dream came true, it marked the beginning of an inspiring journey where he shared the dressing room with legends and gained invaluable experience at the biggest stage.

When Hrithik first heard he had been selected by the Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, his emotions were a mix of excitement and nervous energy. "I hadn't even played much domestic cricket then, so to be picked by Mumbai Indians was a huge moment," he recalled while speaking to Sports Yaari exclusively.

On first MI experience

Walking into the MI dressing room for the first time was an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by legends like Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, and Jasprit Bumrah, the young all-rounder didn't feel intimidated. Instead, he felt thrilled. "I don't really get nervous meeting anyone, but I was definitely excited to be around them," Hrithik said with a smile.

Hrithik made his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings, one of the biggest rivalries in the league. Under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, he got his cap and some simple but effective advice: "Just play your game." That trust gave him confidence to bowl with freedom on the big stage.

On MI's lowest point

Reflecting on his two seasons with MI, Hrithik admitted it wasn't always easy. The 2022 season was particularly tough as the team finished at the bottom of the table. "When the season doesn't go well, negativity can creep in. But Rohit bhai and the senior players never let us feel that way. They always said – focus on the next match and play Mumbai's brand of cricket," he told Sports Yaari.

Learnt the art of supla shots

Hrithik has also shared dressing rooms with India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, someone he admires for his fearless 360-degree batting. "I once asked him about those supla shots. He told me he developed them by playing a lot with tennis balls. I've even tried picking up a few of those tricks myself in DPL," Hrithik revealed.

His DPL experience

Currently, Hrithik is making waves in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), where several senior players like Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, and Rishabh Pant have also featured. He believes it's a great platform for youngsters. "The seniors share their experiences, which helps a lot. It's a very good opportunity for upcoming talent," he said.

Talking about his own form in DPL, 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."