NewKerala.com

Key Points

Vicky Ostwal found bowling to Rishabh Pant in the Delhi Capitals nets to be his most formidable challenge. He credits his time in the IPL with significantly improving his game sense and situational awareness. The young spinner received valuable guidance from both Axar Patel and former coach Ricky Ponting during his three seasons with the franchise. Ostwal now aims to establish himself as a regular in Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy team while maintaining his focus on winning trophies for his state.

Key Points: Vicky Ostwal Recalls Bowling to Rishabh Pant as Toughest Challenge

  • Ostwal was India's highest wicket-taker in 2022 U-19 World Cup
  • Credits IPL experience for improving his game sense and reading situations
  • Received valuable tips from Axar Patel on Test and T20 bowling
  • Aims to become a regular in Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy team
3 min read

Bowling to Pant was the most difficult thing: Uncapped spinner Ostwal recalls time at Delhi Capitals

Uncapped spinner Vicky Ostwal reveals bowling to Rishabh Pant at Delhi Capitals was his biggest test, while crediting Axar Patel and Ricky Ponting for his growth.

"Bowling to Rishabh Pant was the most difficult thing as a left-arm spinner - Vicky Ostwal"

New Delhi, September 1

Uncapped spinner Vicky Ostwal, who impressed in the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) and has been a reserve bowler with the Delhi Capitals for three seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL), revealed that during his time with the franchise, bowling to Rishabh Pant was the most challenging thing for him as a left-armer.

Ostwal, a tall left-arm spinner just like Sai Kishore, was India's highest wicket-taker in their run to the 2022 Under-19 World Cup title in the Caribbean. During the Buchi Babu tournament last month, his Maharashtra captain, Ankit Bawne, introduced him as a "future star" in Chennai.

During his time with the Delhi Capitals in the cash-rich IPL, he didn't get a single game. However, the entire experience was valuable for him. The 23-year-old spinner revealed that current captain Axar Patel and former head coach Ricky Ponting helped him significantly in his growth. At the same time, the most formidable challenge for him in the nets was the franchise's former skipper, Pant.

"The game sense improved after the IPL. You can be a little bit ahead of the game, and sometimes read the situations quite early and then get into the act earlier. That helps you be proactive," Ostwal told ESPNcricinfo on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai.

"And bowling to Rishabh Pant was the most difficult thing as a left-arm spinner. Axar gave me tips on Test bowling and T20 bowling, which I'm able to implement. Ricky Ponting, sir, also helped me during my three years with Delhi Capitals. So, all in all, it was a good time there," he added.

Just weeks after his stellar campaign in the Under-19 World Cup in February 2022, Ostwal was fast-tracked into Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy side. However, at that point, he needed more time to nurture his game. He has made occasional appearances for Maharashtra since then and now hopes to be a regular face in the setup.

"It's always a process for a spinner to make a spot in the team. I'm still fighting for it. I've played five Ranji games on and off, but the CK Nayudu has been my core after that Under-19 World Cup. Whatever I play - CK Nayudu or Ranji - the aim is to make Maharashtra win. Playing for Maharashtra is a [matter of] prestige. The aim is always to win trophies for Maharashtra," he said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So much respect for players who don't get game time but still work hard in the background. IPL experience is invaluable even if you're not playing matches. Hope Ostwal gets his chance soon! 🙌
A
Aryan P
Maharashtra has produced some amazing spinners over the years. Hope Ostwal gets regular Ranji games - that's where real temperament is built. Domestic cricket is the backbone of Indian cricket!
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective! Net bowlers don't get enough credit for the work they put in. They're essentially helping the main players prepare while improving their own game. Respect to Ostwal 👏
S
Shreya B
Hope DC gives him at least one game next season. After 3 years as reserve, he deserves a chance to show what he's learned from Ponting and Axar. Young Indian spinners need opportunities!
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate his dedication, I wish franchises would rotate net bowlers more. Three seasons without a single game seems excessive when other teams give chances to young talents.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50