'Proud of you both' - Glenn McGrath congratulates Chetan Sakariya, Sandeep Warrier on India debuts

The recently-concluded series between Sri Lanka and India allowed many debutants to take the charge of the field owing to the concerns caused by the Covid-19. In the second T20I, four debutants were handed over their India caps and certainly, it was a moment to savor for them. Though India lost the T20I series, it would definitely have been a big learning curve for the youngsters. Considering this the former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath congratulated Chetan Sakariya and Sandeep Warrier on their debuts.

Sakariya played only one ODI against Sri Lanka where he scalped two wickets by conceding 34 runs. He also featured in the final two T20Is for India. Sandeep Warrier, on the other hand, walked the field for India in the final T20I. Both of these players have had the opportunity to grab some pearls of wisdom from McGrath as they had trained under him at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. The Australian legend was appointed as the Director of the MRF Pace Foundation in 2012.

McGrath, thus, took it to Twitter to extend his wishes to Sakariya and Warrier. His tweet read: “A huge congratulations to both @sakariya.chetan & Sandeep Warrier for making their debut for India @_official_bcci_ So proud of you both.  #mrfpacefoundation #fastbowlers #indvsl”

A huge congratulations to both @sakariya.chetan & Sandeep Warrier for making their debut for India @_official_bcci_ So proud of you both. #mrfpacefoundation #fastbowlers #indvsl https://t.co/OUeMsnlFEz

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 31, 2021

Sakariya and Warrier on the role of Glenn McGrath in their success

Learning from one of the greats of the game more often than not helps the players in shaping their game well. Sakariya had opened up about the inputs he received from McGrath at the foundation where he was sent by the Saurashtra Cricket Association.

“I gave trials and impressed Glenn [McGrath] sir with my nippy pace and natural swing. He told me if I worked on my action and fitness, I could add another 5kph to my pace and be a 130kph bowler. He said if I could do that, I could at least play at the Ranji Trophy level.” Sakariya had told ESPNcricinfo last year.

In cricket or any sport, it is often said that staying in the present moment is important. Warrier who wore the Indian blues at the age of 30, had made the shift from Kerala to Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. He too credited McGrath for his success and asserted that the Australian cricketer has helped him improve his game.

“His (McGrath’s) tips have always been valuable. He told me the importance of consistency and explained how important it was to keep the mind clear. Ever since I started following that, my game has improved,” Warrier was quoted as telling The New Indian Express last year.