NEW DELHI: Desert Vipers all-rounder Dhruv Parashar is eager to make his mark in the upcoming International League T20 (ILT20), which kicks off on January 11 in Dubai. The 20-year-old is optimistic about his team’s chances this season, focusing on qualifying for the playoffs as the first milestone.
“We have started our practice sessions,” Dhruv shared in an exclusive interview with Timesofindia.com. “Lots of players are just coming in now, and in the next couple of days, we will have pretty much everyone. We are training every day up until our first match day. We have started preparations, and we are looking good,” he added.
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For Dhruv, set to play his third season with the Vipers, sharing the dressing room with top cricketers is a thrilling experience. “It’s one of the best feelings for any cricketer, especially for a young cricketer like me,” he said. “Every year I come back, there’s more to learn. It’s a very good experience, and I am grateful.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Dhruv acknowledged the challenges ahead. “We had a very good start as we finished runners-up in the first season. Last year we did not qualify for the playoffs. It’s T20 cricket, and all the teams are very strong, so it’s always a challenging battle,” he remarked. “We will take it match-by-match and hopefully qualify for the playoffs this time as we have a really good squad.”
As a spinner known for excelling in power plays, Dhruv discussed the nuances of his craft. “I enjoy bowling both in the power plays and outside. It’s different skill sets I need to use, but I enjoy both. It is hard, especially in T20s, as you know the batters are going to come at you. You’ve got to be ready for that, just try to bowl to your strengths, and keep it simple,” he explained.
Dhruv views the ILT20 as a highly competitive platform. “In ILT20, there are players from all over the world, from all the Test-playing nations. All the top players come and play here. It is one of the most competitive leagues, if not the most competitive. There’s lots of skill and talent in the league, and I’m grateful to be part of it. Hopefully, I can make a mark in this tournament,” he said.
Having played 14 T20Is for the UAE national team with 18 wickets at an average of 13.61, Dhruv sees the ILT20 as a springboard for young talent. “Good performances here will push us to other leagues as well, which I am really looking forward to,” he noted.
On being recognised as one of the young players to watch by UAE coach Lalchand Rajput, Dhruv said, “Coming from him, it feels very nice and I am very proud. My recent performances have been pretty good. I got the opportunity, and he believes in me to perform for the team.”
Dhruv remains ready to contribute to the Vipers’ success whenever called upon. “Whatever the management decides, I will give my best and hopefully contribute to the team’s success,” he stated.
Signing off with a message to fans, Dhruv urged support for the team and the league. “Lots of fans in India – please support us, please support the team. It’s a very entertaining league, and we’re going to give our best. Hopefully, we will win the title.”
