Ankit Bawne relives the praises he received from Rahul Dravid

Ankit Bawne, one of India’s emerging players from the domestic circuit, has attracted praise from many a cricketer for his batting, especially from India A coach Rahul Dravid. Bawne made his first-class debut when he was just 15, and today he averages 53.38 from 82 first-class games. The batsman represents Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, and has also been a part of the India A team.

Bawne made news in 2012-13 when he averaged more than 60 and scored 5 consecutive half centuries. He has continued to impress the selectors since with consistent performances at various levels and competitions. The 25-year old is nearing 6000 first-class runs and boasts of the highest score of 258*.

Speaking to Cricbuzz in an exclusive interview, Bawne took a look at his progress in the sport, and how he has changed his methods over the years.

“Earlier I used to mentally prepare myself three months in advance, eagerly awaiting the start of the domestic season. Now with a India A matches, I just have to go through my routine and processes. And when the match comes, react to the ball,” Ankit Bawne said.

It’s the exposure that matters: Bawne

Although the right-hand batsman put in some notable performances in last year’s Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy – he averaged over 60 once again in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2017 – Bawne only got one opportunity to play in the IPL that year. He was roped in by the Delhi Daredevils, and scored an unbeaten 12 in that lone game.

“It was surely disappointing. It was a good season for me but Syed Mushtaq Ali hadn’t gone well. At the back of my mind, I knew I may not get selected. It was of course disappointing because it’s a big platform, everyone is watching. But at the same time, it isn’t the end of the world either. For a few hours you feel bad but then you get over it,” Bawne asserted.

Ankit Bawne also featured in India A‘s line up during the recently-concluded tour of England. Although he wasn’t able to put together big knocks, Bawne isn’t disappointed and firmly believes that it’s the exposure of playing at the highest level that counts.

Bawne received considerable praise from Rahul Dravid for his recent knock of 28* off just 18 deliveries against Australia A. After being reduced to 11 for 3, India A still required 55 in the last 8 overs when Ankit Bawne stepped up to the plate to win the match for his side.

“As a batsman you love challenges and when you perform in challenging conditions, it’s a different joy. Rahul [Dravid] sir also appreciated me after that for showing character and calmness under pressure. He hadn’t praised me as much even when I had scored a century. Such innings helps you build that confidence, makes you a better cricketer,” Bawane concluded.

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