IPL 2018: Apoorv Wankhade wants to play the role of finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders made quite a few surprising moves at the IPL 2018 auctions. While many believe they did not tick their boxes right with the overseas players, the team certainly got some serious domestic talent in their wings. Among the many uncapped Indians in the squad, the name of Apoorv Wankhade stands bright. Many might not know about this veteran cricketer from Vidarbha.

But the reality is, that the batsman has been a part of the IPL for three years now. A very talented batsman, Apoorv Wankhade, was with the Mumbai Indians for three years in the tournament but never really got a game to play. Now, he is set to play in the Kolkata Knight Riders jersey and hopes to put up a good show for them.

He remarked that the pressure is always going to be there irrespective of which tournament a player plays. Wankhade, who has played kho-kho, volleyball, and atheletics before trying cricket, hopes to convert all his opportunities to good results.

“Pressure is going to be there regardless of which tournament you play. The idea is to capitalise on the chances and repay the faith shown by the team management. If I’ve got five matches at my disposal, the aim’s to do well in at least three of those. Hopefully, we’ll have a great campaign,” Apoorv Wankhade quoted as per the quotes in Sportstarlive.

On being the finisher

Apoorv is very firm in his approach and believes he can play the role of the finisher for his team. He noted that if he stays till the end overs in a particular game, he will see the team through. He clearly wants “to be there till the last ball and win the match for my team. If I’m there at the death, I’m confident of seeing the team through.”

On changing bases

Apoorv Wankhade has been playing for team Vidarbha in the domestic circuit for almost seven years now. When asked if he ever felt the need to change his base for better opportunities, Wankhade answered in negative. He noted that he takes pride playing for Vidarbha in the domestic circuit.

“No, no. I’m glad to represent Vidarbha; we’ve so many big names in our team – having brushed shoulders with all of them, I consider myself very fortunate,” he said.

On his plans for the IPL

Commenting on his plans for the upcoming edition of the IPL, Apoorv Wankhade noted that he is taking one assignment at a time. After the conclusion of Vijay Hazare Trophy, he aims to do well in the Irani Trophy. After Irani Trophy, he will shift his focus to the IPL. He is working on his medium pace bowling to add a dimension to his game before the IPL gets underway.

“It is crucial to take one step at a time. After this, we have the Irani Trophy coming up and once that’s over, I’ll turn my attention to IPL. I intend to go to Mumbai and practise there for a few days before joining the team camp ahead of the season. I’m working on my bowling at the moment; medium pace mostly. But I won’t try that before the IPL; I don’t think I’m ready yet,” he conceded.

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