IPL closest to playing the World Cup, says KXIP pacer Hardus Viljoen

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) drafted in quite a few new players in the auction of this edition’s Indian Premier League (IPL) after a poor season. One of them was pacer Hardus Viljoen, who was brought at his base price of INR 75 lakhs. The move has worked to some extent as he has picked up four wickets in as many matches, though his economy rate has been on the higher side, i.e. 8.80.

In yesterday’s match against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the fast bowler went wicketless, conceding 34 runs in his four-over spell. The Witbank-born Viljoen, who was one of the South African cricketers to join the Kolpak deal, sounded delighted after getting the privilege of playing in the T20 tournament in India.

Moreover, the 30-year-old speedster went on to mention that the IPL is almost equivalent to playing in the World Cup due to the reason that it gives the chance of rubbing shoulders with the best in the business. “IPL is closest to the World Cup as you get to play against the best. It is an unbelievable experience for players as it adds an international flavour,” Viljoen was quoted as saying in India Today.

Ashwin knows what to expect from me

Hardus was also all praises for KXIP captain Ravi Ashwin, who was appointed as the franchise’s skipper in the erstwhile season. Nevertheless, he remarked that former Windies all-rounder Darren Sammy is the best skipper he has ever played under.

“I have played with a lot of captains. I would say Darren Sammy was probably the best captain I played under. Ashwin falls in the same category. He knows what to expect from me and I exactly know what I need to do in different situations and this makes it easier. When your captain believes in you and trusts you, it makes your job easier,” he added.

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