IPL 2020 | KL Rahul backs and motivates every youngster in KXIP unit, reveals Arshdeep Singh

In the start of the tournament, Kings XI Punjab were hell-bent on utilising Sheldon Cottrell in the playing XI, owing to his height and the angle which he generates as a left-arm pacer. However, after an injury, the franchise replaced the left-arm Windies pacer with a 21-year-old Arshdeep Singh. In the four games, the left-arm seamer from Madhya Pradesh has accounted for six wickets, including the wicket of An📖dre Russell. 

One thing that remained constant throughout this season for him, according to him, is KL Rahul’s confidence in him. The 21-year-old also revealed that as a skipper, Rahul always motivates the youngster in the team. Alongside Shami, the left-arm pacer has created a partnership in the ﷽early overs, which has helped KXIP to twin victories against RCB and MI in their last two encounters. 

"He (KL Rahul) just says one thing - 'keep it simple and don't put pressure on yourself'. He is always there whenever I have doubts. He is really calm. He knows how to keep the youngsters motivated. He backs all the players, especially youngsters in the team. He is a captain who will back a youngster on his bad day. He is a pl⛎ayer who can turn the match in any situation. He always makes us smile. He knows when we are nervous. He comes, talks, and motivates us. I am really happy that I am playing under such a wonderful captain like Rahul bhai," Arshdeep told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview.

KXIP’s newcomer also credited Shami for constantly being🐎 a guide to him during the tournament, with Shami’s experience coming in invaluable for the franchise. The right-arm seamer has picked up 14 wickets, only one behind Jasprit Bumrah. Next up, Kings XI Punjab faces the challenge of playing against the table-toppers Delhi Capitals, who are on the back of a win against CSK in their last game. 

"I always speak with Shami bhai. I have learnt a lot from him. During the net sessions, I ask him a lot of questions. Sometimes he gets angry and says 'how many questions will you ask?' He is so experienced and he is always ready to help. I watch his (Shami's) bowling a lot and then ask him questions regar🌠ding the areas where I should bowl. I apply those tips on the field," he added.