Mumbai Indians sign MD Nidheesh despite a disastrous trial

A swing bowler always stands out, especially in India. Over the last few years, several pacers have made their mark in domestic cricket and then escalated to the highest level. Among those ones who’re gaining prominence in domestic cricket is Kerala’s MD Nidheesh. The next step for the young pacers is now to earn a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams and he did appear for the trials.

He was called up in the Mumbai Indians trial but couldn’t complete his effort there. He picked up a knee injury and had to walk back heartbroken. But that was not Nidheesh’s IPL dream. When his name appeared in the IPL 2018 auction, Mumbai signed up the 26-year-old for his base price of Rs 20 lakh.

“I had given up hopes of playing in the IPL, but then I got a call from Tinu Sir who told me that Mumbai Indians had inquired about me. I just asked him if I stand any chance of getting picked,” said Nidheesh, while talking to Mumbai Indians TV.

Didn’t know how to react

A reporter called him up to inform about the signing and he didn’t know how to react. “I was informed by a media person and I didn’t know how to express it. I was really excited and thankful to god and my parents,” the pacer added.

Nidheesh’s USP is not only swing but also his ability to clock the ball beyond the 145 kmph mark consistently. His coach NA Sunil praised the lad as one who can add value to any team he represents and said, “He has a nice clean action and a deadly out-swinger. He can consistently clock above 145-kph and that makes him a valuable asset for any team,” he was quoted by Cricketnext.

“What stands out for me is his hardwork and dedication. If he sets himself a goal, then he goes all out to achieve it. He was desperate to seal a spot in the IPL and I am really happy that the Mumbai Indians showed faith in him. Sreesanth and Yohannan have spoken highly about him so he certainly has the talent to make it big,” Sunil added.

Nideesh has worked with an IPL team in the past as he was the nets bowler for the Kochi based franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

Here is how the MI squad looks like for IPL 2018:

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