IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals duo ready to utilize learnings to excel in the UAE

Rajasthan Royals’ batsman Manan Vohra and spinner Mayank Markande are close friends off the pitch, in a bond that is deeper than cricket. The two indulge in honest discussions about various topics, with the same evident during their interaction with the franchise’s media team from their hotel in Dubai ahead of the resumption of the IPL 2021. Manan started the conversation by calling Mayank “a very lazy character”.

“I have to always push him to go the extra mile in terms of everything, even if it’s training. He’s the kind of character who likes to go easy on things, but I’m always the one telling him to go that extra mile because I know he’s got immense talent and if he improves his work ethics, he will be a definite player for the Indian team for a long time,” he elaborated as quoted by RR’s official website.

“I think Manan is extraordinary”

Mayank denied the fact that he is lazy, terming Manan as an “extraordinary” player.

“I’m not lazy, I’m like a normal person like everyone else but I think he (Manan) is extraordinary – I think even extraordinary is also an understatement for him (laughs). So, if you don’t reach his level, then he says I’m lazy, but on a serious note, I really appreciate him showing so much faith in me,” he stated.

The duo were on the same page when discussing the Rajasthan-based franchise’s ambitions and realistic goals for the season.

“As a group, we are all looking to win the trophy. It has been a long time since the franchise has won it, and the best thing is that everyone in our group believes that the team has the potential to make a mark once again. So, we’re aiming for the cup but will be mindful of taking it game by game,” said Manan.

“Our spinners had done a great job in the UAE last year, so I feel we’re back to utilizing our strengths well. We feel really confident going into this phase,” added Mayank.

“Was a little disappointed because I couldn’t capitalize on the starts that I got”

The duo expressed their viewpoints about the opportunities made available in the first phase of IPL 2021.

“I think my personal experience was good because I had been waiting for this opportunity for two years. I was a little disappointed because I felt I couldn’t capitalize on the starts that I got; however, it means that I had a lot of learnings from those outings and have prepared well for the second leg,” said Manan.

Mayank admitted that he did not get many opportunities during the first phase of IPL 2021, but was happy to wait for his chance.

“Happy to wait for my opportunities and understand that the conditions in India weren’t favouring the spinners too much but know that my chance will come,” stated the spinner.

“I’ve matured both as a player and as a person”

Mayank further shared his viewpoint about his transformation over the years, having started playing IPL at the age of 20.

“When I first started playing IPL, I didn’t have much experience. But when I play now, I feel I’ve matured both as a player and as a person. I think I’m mentally tough now and know how to deal with pressure, and bowl in challenging situations,” said the 23-year-old.

On a concluding note, U-19 World Cup winner Manan expressed a desire to use the upcoming season to make a case to the selectors.

“Every player on the circuit has the same dream, and so do I. I definitely want to play for the Indian team. I think the upcoming domestic season again gives me a chance to get noticed. I’m playing for Chandigarh now and will be leading them, so I’m confident of taking my team to the latter stages of competitions through good performances, which will help me in making a case,” stated the right-handed batter.