Young Punjab Kings pace bowler Arshdeep Singh has attributed his success in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to remaining calm under pressure and changing his run-up, which has helped him avoid no-balls.
The left-arm quick played a big role in his side's 13-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium here on Saturday, picking up four wickets, including two in consecutive deliveries in the final over, for 29 runs as Rohit Sharma's side fell short by 13 runs while chasing a target of 215.
"Feels good whenever I take wickets, the win makes the feeling better. Before IPL, I changed my run-up and it helped me with avoiding no-balls. The rhythm is nice and I'm enjoying my cricket right now," Arshdeep said at the post-match presentation.
Arshdeep has taken 13 wickets in seven games in this edition of the IPL. Asked about his mindset during pressure situations, he said, "Calmness comes naturally, my heart rate doesn't even go up to 120." Punjab Kings captain Sam Curran described the win at MI's home ground as special.
"It's a special win. Amazing ground, played many games with different sides. Great to get the win. Don't think I should be getting the award, with the way our pacers finished the match," said Curran who was named player of the match for his 55 off in 29 balls in the Punjab innings.
"Arshdeep and Nathan were incredible and the spinners bowled well. When I went in to bat, I knew I had to give myself a chance. In the previous games, I've looked to go big a little too early, reflected on that.
"But we got a long line-up and we saw Jitesh went bang-bang and we know he's got that. He's a massive player and we just have to take our responsibility as players come back from injuries." On standing for regular captain Shikhar Dhawan, he said, "Two from three, I think we can go back to Shikhar. Great experience, the coaches and the local guys are helping me through. Bayliss, Haddin and Co have created a good, relaxed environment. We've won a few early games which helps." MI captain Rohit Sharma conceded that his side made some errors in the field but said would not look too much into that.
"Will tell the boys to keep our heads high, we've won and lost three. Lots of time left in the tournament, we need to stay in the game and competition.
"Quite happy with Green and SKY's batting, they kept us in the game till the end. Credit to Arshdeep for his bowling, not our day today but we gave a good fight."
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