Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Speaking to TOI, Rathi said, “My preparation is the same as when I came to play the IPL for the first time. I think batsmen started reading me last year, so I have added a couple of more variations to my arsenal.”
“Before playing the IPL for the first time, I hadn’t played many domestic matches. It was an advantage for me that I performed well in the previous edition as an unknown entity, but I am coming into this edition oozing with confidence.”
On preparing for the big stage during the off-season, Rathi said, “There is no off-season or on-season for me. I was bowling in the nets, doing fitness drills, and going to the gym every day.”
When asked what new things he has added to his arsenal, he said, “As a mystery spinner, I have worked on my length and pace. When the length is good, it becomes difficult for batsmen to hit the bowler. I had tried new variations, but my coaches stopped me and said to try them next year. Now, I have added one or two things to my existing variations.”
“I have learnt everything from YouTube, and once I see something, I don’t forget it. I read batsmen by watching their batting videos and implement things by watching Varun Chakravarti’s bowling videos. LSG called me two months back, and I started working with newly appointed spin coach Carl Crowe. A mystery spinner learns on his own and needs a special coach who can further improve his skills, which LSG has given me,” he added.
When asked what he had learned from Carl Crowe, he said, “Carl has worked a lot with Sunil Narine, so he knows what works best for a mystery spinner. He has also worked with players like Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarti, and Suyash. He has told me many things that I hadn’t thought about in that way in the game, but now I think about them and implement them, which is benefiting me.”
When asked whether he will continue the same notebook celebration this time, he said, “Last time I was new, and I didn’t know how to celebrate while also respecting the opponent. I have gradually learned things, so I will definitely celebrate but I won’t disrespect anyone, no matter who the player is.”
