IPL 2017: I feel blessed to play with MS Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, says Rahul Tripathi ahead of Rising Pune Supergiant clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Tripathi has handled the pacers quite efficiently. When asked about the key to his success, he stated that he tried to keep it simple and strike the ball.

Rahul Tripathi, star opening batsman of Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in the 10th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), feels blessed to get the opportunity to play alongside players like MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane. The RPS opener recently played a gem, smashing 93 off just 52 balls in the last match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Out of Tripathi’s 93 runs, 78 came in boundaries by Tripathi, including 9 fours and 7 sixes. He is currently at 7th spot in the list of leading run-scorers with 352 runs at 39.11, which is the also most by a non-international player in the tournament. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD, SRH vs RPS, Match 44

Ahead of Pune’s next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Tripathi opened up in the pre-match press conference and said he always focused on how to play a big shot: “I don’t think how tough the ball is. I think, he (bowler) is bowling a good yorker, so how can I hit it for a boundary. If he is bowling a bouncer, what type of shot I can play. I always thought like that.”

Tripathi has handled the pacers quite efficiently. When asked about the key to his success, he stated that he tried to keep it simple and strike the ball: “It’s nothing specific. It is just that it has come out good attacking them. I have just kept it simple to strike the ball.”

The Ranchi-born Maharashtra batsman further added that he is excited to play in a big stage like IPL along with big names like Dhoni and Rahane: “I am excited. It’s a big opportunity for me to be here. I am just trying to enjoy the moment. Not thinking too much, just play, just take match by match. It’s coming naturally to me; I’m doing nothing extra. I feel very blessed to get this opportunity to bat with them and share this experience,” he said.

When asked about RPS’ next game against the defending champions, Tripathi said, “It’s an important game for us. We are close to play- offs. Sunrisers are a good side at home. It is good to win against them.” He also said that his “ultimate dream” is to play for the country.

RPS now have 14 points from 11 matches (having won 7 and lost 4) while SRH have collected 13 points from 11.

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