IPL 2018 | Playing under Gautam Gambhir is a great opportunity, claims Manjot Kalra

Kalra came into the limelight by playing earlier this year in the Under-19 World Cup final, where his unbeaten 101 run-knock helped India lift the historic trophy for the fourth time. He offered a consistent performance throughout the tournament which attracted many IPL franchises and in the mega-auction, local team Delhi Daredevils picked him. He will play under the leadership of new captain Gambhir, and the player sounded excited about the opportunity.

“Gautam Gambhir is someone who gives more than 100 percent of his efforts. He was so good for KKR, he handled the team brilliantly. It’s a great opportunity for me to play under his captaincy. During Ranji Trophy, he backed up the youngsters and he motivated them to come forward and express themselves. So, it is a good chance for me to play under him,” Kalra told Indian Express.

IPL has been the ultimate platform for Indian youngsters to showcase their abilities and Kalra has the same dream that Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya once had.

“I am not nervous about the upcoming tournament. It is up to team’s management whether I get a chance to play or not but I see it as an opportunity to learn every day from such big players,” he said.

The Delhi Daredevils team has a good crop of young talents in the side like Colin Munro, Rishabh Pant, Jason Roy, Prithvi Shaw, which only increases Kalra’s competition all the fierce. However, the opening batsman has stated that he would give his best if given the opportunity.

“If I get a chance to perform, at whatever position, in whatever role the team management decides, I will give my 100 percent to the team. We have a well-balanced team this season. We have a number of great bowling options, and we also have a few allrounders such as Chris Morris, who has been brilliant in IPL so far. So, we are expecting a great season for the Delhi Daredevils ahead,” he concluded.