Rahul Tripathi eager to play against Steve Smith

Maharashtra batsman Rahul Tripathi had a dismal domestic season last year. His Ranji Trophy performance was a shameful one with just 185 runs in the tournament. Averaging a mere 16.81, Tripathi found his cricketing career in turmoil. However, the batsman showed great character and turned his fortunes in the iconic 10th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Tripathi represented the Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL alongside the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Steven Smith. The right handed cricketer chipped in with a number of crucial knocks in the campaign and was instrumental throughout the journey. Tripathi’s heroics contributed hugely in taking the Supergiant team to the finals of the competition.

Tripathi has been selected to play in for the Board Presidents Xi that will take on Australia in a practice match before the real showdown with the Indian team. The 26-year-old believes that the golden opportunity will pave the way for him to feature in the India ‘A’ side if he manages to capitalize on the chance. According to the batsman, the selection did not come as a surprise because of his stellar IPL performance.

It is a big opportunity for me to go a level up. A’ or tour games Playing for India ` strengthens your chances of playing for the country ,” Tripathi told TOI. “Although, I didn’t have a good Ranji season last year, I played well in the IPL. Somewhere at the back of my mind, I was expecting an opportunity based on my IPL performance.Having said that, I feel getting to play in the BP XI against Australia is bigger than my expectations.” he added.

“I didn’t want to waste the time by doing nothing. I wanted to remain in touch with cricket and work on my fitness at the same time. The Tamil Nadu senior division league is a good competition to prepare for the Ranji season ahead,” Tripathi added.

“I have been working with Surender Bhave sir at the camp. He has taught me a lot over the last many years and I am glad that he is back as Maharashtra coach. I have been working on my shot selection with him. The basics are the same, but shot selection makes all the difference in shorter and longer formats. He is helping me with the process,” he stated.

On playing against Steve Smith:

Tripathi expressed his eagerness to play against Steve Smith, under whom he played for the Rising Pune Supergiant. He also mentioned that he has been working on his physical fitness to compete at the highest level.

“I have been working on my fitness a lot and I feel I can be a handful and effective bowler, may be a third seamer for any side. He has taught me a lot, now playing against him would be a good experience. I will be happy to meet him again.” he concluded.