From net bowler to Rs 1 crore pick, LSG's Naman Tiwari eyes IPL debut

LUCKNOW: Naman Tiwari, who served as a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) over the last two seasons, was finally bought by the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction for Rs 1 crore. The pacer is now raring to go for the IPL, scheduled to begin on March 28. The city lad is hopeful of making his debut despite the team having a strong Indian pace bowling unit led by experienced Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan. Talking to TOI, Naman shared his experience of the preparatory camp ahead of the IPL. He said, "This is my first season after being a net bowler for two years. Earlier, I was on the other side of the boundary; now I am on this side of the rope, so it is a positive experience." When asked about his interactions with LSG’s global cricket director Tom Moody, head coach Justin Langer, and bowling coach Bharat Arun, Tiwari said, "From the very beginning, my thinking has been to keep execution at a high level because you get selected only when you are skilled. It's about putting the ball in the right place under pressure. That is the main thing you are taught, whether by Bharat sir, Justin Langer or Tom Moody." Speaking about his priorities, the left-arm pacer said, "Fitness is very important, and I am currently focusing on workouts, drills, and gym sessions to attain full fitness and peak physical condition. You can compromise on skill, but not on fitness." On his recent performances, Naman said he is feeling great and bowling well. "I took a hat-trick at the DY Patil tournament and claimed four wickets, including a hat-trick, in the semi-final. In Chennai, I trained with Bharat sir, and that same preparation was applied in the DY Patil tournament. It was a good tournament to play before the IPL," he added.