Punjab Kings overseas paceman Jhye Richardson revealed the prudent piece of advice received from head coach Anil Kumble regarding his heavy price tag ahead of the IPL 2021.
Richardson, the 24-year-old Australian right-arm quick, hasn’t played a game of IPL in his career so far but was purchased by PBKS for a whopping sum of INR 14 crores IPL 2021 auction in February.
While such major signings are a regular feature at IPL auctions, they add to a sense of expectation and pressure going into the tournament from a player’s perspective. Richardson is no different, as he started putting pressure on himself due to his price tag.
But to the cricketer’s rescue came Kumble, the spin bowling legend and former India captain, who in the capacity of PBKS head coach advised Richardson to keep those thoughts at bay as he was in essence picked for his skill and talent, not the huge price tag.
I started putting pressure on myself (thinking about the price tag). But I had a good conversation with Anil yesterday, and he said, you know, ‘we didn’t pick you up for the price tag; we just picked you up for your services and what you do on the cricket field.'”
“For me, that was really important to hear, to know that the coach has picked me up for a reason and knows what I’m capable of.
Richardson revealed to the Times of India.
Anil Kumble helps Jhye Richardson keep price tag pressure at bay ahead of IPL 2021
Following the words of wisdom from Kumble, Richardson has gained confidence and got more relaxed, leading into IPL 2021. The pacer further opened up on his mentality heading to the tournament. He said he wishes to enjoy playing for PBKS rather than take extra pressure of delivering the goods on him just because the franchise picked him for a huge sum.
The key to my game is to just go out and have fun. It’s easier said than done because you’re bowing to the best batsman in the world but for me if I can just stand at the top of my mark, and smile, that is a big one for me.”
“I actually started doing that (smile) during the Big Bash at the top of my mark, just to put a smile on the top there just to remind myself every ball that T20 is fun.
Richardson said.
Richardson will be gearing up for the start of the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) campaign in IPL 2021 on April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
