Dubai: Chirag Suri has returned to the UAE brimming with confidence, thanks to two months well spent in the company of top international players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 22-year-old Suri, who became the first UAE batsman to be picked for the IPL’s Gujarat Lions team, has cracked two half-centuries in the prestigious Bukhatir League in his first two matches since his return from the IPL.
Opening the batting for Sharjah Club, Suri cracked 69 off 68 balls with 10 boundaries against G Force Academy in the first match to ensure a five wicket win for his team. He then fought valiantly against the formidable Multiplex International by cracking 89 runs off 100 balls with eight boundaries despite his team losing by 103 runs.
Speaking to Gulf News, Suri said: “The whole experience of being with the top players in the game was something special. Though I did not get to play any matches, the very feel of being around with great players boosted my confidence.”
For two months, he got to train alongside great players, watching how they mastered their techniques and prepared for games.
“This increased my confidence as well as taught me how to work hard,” he said.
“The experience has made me mentally tough and I find it much easier to play a good knock.”
Suri says he has adopted a positive approach to the game and his life. “One important aspect that I learnt from these players is to go out to bat with a positive intent. I hadn’t played a match for two months so when I came here it is this positive intent that helped me play confidently.”
Suri went on to reveal how he picked the brains of great players in his team. “I did not try to copy any of them because all of them have a different style but what I learnt by watching them is their approach to the game,” he said.
“I also realised that they are star players because they work hard not only on the field but also off it in the gym. They all are humble people despite their achievements. Despite me going to IPL as a youngster, they all welcomed me warmly and accepted me as part of them.”
Suri learnt the virtue of being sporting from his captain Suresh Raina. “I kept picking his brains often and he patiently used to explain to me anything. His sporting gesture of patting Delhi Daredevils’ Rishav Pant after a match-winning knock showed his greatness as a sportsman. He taught me that if one can respect and appreciate others then your peers too will respect you.
“Frankly, I haven’t seen so many places in India like I did as part of this team. Within less than five hours of a match, we all fly to the next venue and it can be very tiring unless you are fit. I watched everyone work on their fitness. The interactions with Brendon McCullum and Dwyane Bravo will remain an unforgettable memory.”
