Mitchell McClenaghan aims to play IPL 2019 as an overseas specialist, not as replacement bowler

Mitchell McClenaghan, who’s fresh from his stint with the inaugural APL, has set his eyes on being an overseas specialist in the 2019 edition of the IPL. The Kiwi pacer represented the Nangarhar Leopards in the APL where he picked up 5 wickets from 5 appearances. He will now be aiming to put in a string of good performances to make himself a much more sought-after cricketer in league cricket. His main goal remains another successful outing in the highly competitive tournament that is the IPL.

McClenaghan has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ route to becoming one of the IPL’s most successful teams. The Rohit Sharma-led side have been crowned IPL champions a record three times, and the New Zealand pacer has been with the team in two of those success stories. He formed a potent attack alongside Lasith Malinga as the Mumbai Indians found their rhythm back.

Few opportunities to represent the Blackcaps

However, the opportunities to represent the national side have come far and wide. He now prefers to be a T20 freelancer and isn’t a contracted player with New Zealand Cricket. McClenaghan last represented New Zealand in the World T20 in India in 2016.

Whilst the APL may not be regarded as a competition at the same level as many other established leagues, the tournament does provide the Kiwi an opportunity to work on some important aspects of his game and possibly a chance to be noticed by national selectors.

Speaking to Firstpost, the left-arm pacer said, “I am looking forward to spending time at home this summer in New Zealand. The idea is to play some 50-over cricket and then join my team Auckland Aces for the 2018-2019 season of Super Smash. This is a young side so I am hoping to get stuck in there and helping them out by bringing all my experience to bear. After that I am looking to get back into IPL for the 2019 edition of the tournament. I was brought in as a replacement for injured Jason Behrendorff by the Mumbai Indians in 2018 but hopefully I will get a proper chance and be picked as an overseas bowler next time.”

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