Bengaluru: Karnataka’s latest batting sensation R Smaran has received his maiden IPL call-up. The 21-year-old southpaw, the toast of Karnataka across formats last season, has been roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad. The top-order bat replaces injured Australian spinner Adam Zampa in the former champions’ lineup.
Smaran, an age-group star in the state, is a blend of craft and elan. Last year, he led Karnataka to their maiden Col CK Nayudu Trophy U-23 title. The youngster cut his teeth across formats in the senior team the previous season.
An elegant player, Smaran, scored 170 in six outings at a strike rate of 170 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament and played a key role in Karnataka reclaiming the Vijay Hazre Trophy. Smaran compiled 433 runs in seven innings, scoring two centuries and an equal number of half-centuries.
He also made a telling Ranji Trophy debut, scoring 516 runs, including a double century against Punjab. Speaking to TOI, as he prepared to join the SRH squad in Mumbai, where they face Mumbai Indians on Thursday, an elated Smaran said, “The call-up hasn’t sunk in yet. I knew my time will come and I’m glad it has come this season.”
Smaran, who went unsold, was called up by four teams – Lucknow Super Giant, Mumbai, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals – in the lead up to the auction last year. Recently, even the Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a look in and he even featured in a practice game for them.
Given the power-packed Sunrisers’ top order, Smaran is realistic about his chances. “I don’t have a lot of expectations in terms of game time, but what I’m looking forward to is having conversations with the great line-up of players and support staff. I want to get into their heads and learn,” Smaran said. Among the players Smaran is keen on interacting with are top-order batter Heinrich Klaasen and skipper Pat Cummins.
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