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ShareMumbai: Uttar Pradesh bowler Sudeep Tyagi is reaping dividends for the hard work he has done over the past few years. The 22-year-old is the only new face in the ODI team announced on Thursday for the seven-match series against Australia starting from October 25.
Tyagi started his career with a bang. In his debut season in 2007, Tyagi took 41 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul against Orissa. However, injury laid him low. A stress fracture to the back saw him miss the first edition of Indian Premier League and suddenly he had to start from scratch.
"It was unfortunate that I got injured. However, Ikept my morale high," he told DNA after being picked to the ODI side. Tyagi couldn't make an impact in his second Ranji Trophy season. It was during the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia that Tyagi once again found his rhythm when he took 14 wickets to emerge as the highest wicket-taker. He also bowled well in the Irani Trophy and the Challenger Trophy.
"I feel my performance in the Emerging Players Tournament, the Irani Trophy and the Challenger Trophy got me a place in the Indian team," Tyagi added. While playing for India Red, Tyagi, along with Munaf Patel and Ishant Sharma, in the recent Challenger Trophy final in Nagpur, rocked Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India Blue. Dhoni's side was bowled out for 84 and Tyagi took three wickets.
Tyagi's talent was first spotted by Uttar Pradesh captain Mohd Kaif and coach Gyanendra Pandey during a fast bowler's camp. Shalab Srivastav had left for the Indian Cricket League and Tyagi got his big break.
"We were impressed with his pace. He was bowling well in the nets and so we drafted him into the squad. It was a good decision as Tyagi repaid our faith in him by taking a ten-wicket haul on his debut," Pandey said.
Talking about the time when he was on the sidelines due to injury, Tyagi said, "I was not bogged down by any negative thoughts. I got support from everywhere. Kaif, the coach and Suresh Raina supported me and kept my morale high. I decided that once I was back I would give it my best," Tyagi said.
The Ghaziabad boy's phone was ringing since Thursday afternoon. "My phone has been ringing since morning. My neighbours, friends and family members are very happy and are bursting crackers. It is a Diwali gift. My parents are very happy," he added.
Talking about the opportunity to play against the Australians, Tyagi said, "I am feeling a touch nervous. But I will bowl to my strengths. I am ready for the challenge," said a confident Tyagi.
