The Indian Premier League has swiftly risen as a platform for young players to exhibit their abilities against the best in the world. Since the league’s initiation in 2008, it has offered a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent.
Stashing deals, brushing shoulders with the greatest names in the game and displaying their talent in front of spectators has allowed many cricketers to take full advantage of their procured abilities and show the world who they are.
Royal Challengers Bangalore roped in 21-year-old Luvnith Sisodia and will be taking the field in the franchise spectacle. He is a wicket-keeping batter and can be a major name for RCB’s future considering the team’s preference in saddling young talents.
“Prior to the auction, I had attended selection trials for several teams. In those trials, I believe I put my best foot forward. Obviously, we have no control over what happens during the auction. This is how auction dynamics work. But, somewhere in the back of my mind, I was hoping to be drafted by a team,” said Luvnith on asking him if he was confident on bagging a deal.
“Dreams, they say, do come true. Yes, it does! RCB has always been a favorite of mine. Being from Bengaluru, one can only wish to be a part of this franchise. Growing up, I, like any other youngster in the city, wished to play for this franchise. Here I am – donning this jersey. It’s all very surreal. I’m grateful,” he added when he was asked what it is like to be part of a team that has been home to big names.
Karnataka have been one of the best domestic sides across competitions and formats in the last few years. The trophy cabinet at KSCA remains as a testament.
It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say Karnataka are the force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket in India. Luvnith Sisodia made his debut for Karnataka on 25 February 2019 in the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“The pride you get playing for Karnataka is unbeatable. Such is the atmosphere around the team. I love how closely knit the teammates are. It feels more like a family. We’ve always been known to be a team that places a strong emphasis on the pillars of unity, both on and off the field. Every time I wear the Karnataka jersey, it feels like something special,” he said.
Since the IPL is held under different conditions and within the bio-bubble, how difficult is it to adhere to the guidelines? Luvnith said: “To be honest, the atmosphere in the camp is fantastic. You don’t feel like you’re in a bubble or far away from home. It feels more like home. When you have this kind of environment, bio-bubble life isn’t too taxing. In my spare time, I enjoy playing PlayStation and watching movies.
RCB have started their practice sessions and match, upon asking him how his first encounter with the other players in the squad was, he said: “The preparation for the tournament has been good. I think I’m in a good frame of mind. I also got a half-century in the match simulation.”
“Virat Kohli was the one player I was most excited to meet. I met him yesterday and showed him an old photo of myself with him. We had a good laugh. Overall, I’ve gotten along well with all my teammates,” he added.
RCB have shattered many records and scripted history as far as records are concerned. That one game Luvnith would have liked to be a part of was the match against Gujarat Lions back in 2016.
“The one game I wish I could have been a part of was when Virat and AB tormented the Gujarat bowling attack at the Chinnaswamy in 2016. I had the impression that I was watching Ronaldo and Messi play together,” said the young prodigy.
The player whom you have always looked up to rather idolized. The 22-year-old said: “Virat Kohli. I’ve always looked up to him. I admire how he faces the challenges head on. He operates with extraordinary zeal. The way he’s grown in stature from 2008 to 2022 should inspire any youngster. I’ve also enjoyed watching Yuvraj Singh bat in full flow. These are the two players who have had the most influence on me.”
Karnataka’s Luvnith Sisodia, with his 129-ball 312 blinder, rose above those limits, and regardless of whether that came at a corporate one-day tournament, a triple century is as of now not in the domain of implausible. This knock shot him into the spotlight quickly and his exhibition at the recent edition of the BCCI U25 Trophy, where he scored over 230, is proof that the big knock was not a coincidence.
“That day, I didn’t think of any milestones. I appeared to be in good shape. My only thought was to keep batting for as long as possible. That knock sort of put me in the spotlight. To be honest, I had no idea I’d be at RCB the following year. Never ever in my wildest dreams.”
He has a place with the profoundly pursued type of cricketers in the realm of maturing franchise-based leagues: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter who can win you games – A blend that is quite rare in cricket.
In days of gruesome competition on asking him about how he is working towards improving his keeping skills as well alongside batting, he said: “To be honest, I devote the same amount of time to both. As we all know, keeping wickets is a difficult job. I practice a lot to get better at it. Besides that, I do a lot of range-hitting to enhance my power-hitting game.”Luvnith accompanies an attitude for destruction. He is generally ravenous for striking huge strikes; he is known for reverberating strikes, and he knows his work quite well. Likely in a ritzy sky, he will get a modest bunch of chances, yet the sort of expectation that he carries alongside himself can be an outright distinct advantage.
“I am someone who likes to keep it simple. I always believe in the process. Put your best foot forward and the results will follow eventually,” he says.
There is a sense of belief reeking out of the 22-year-old. This Karnataka player can possibly strike big for his IPL franchise as well as in the domestic circuit. One of the upcoming talents to watch out for – Luvnith Sisodia
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