New Delhi, January 20: After snapped up by the Delhi Daredevils for the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), South African paceman Wayne Parnell is relishing the challenge of playing in the lucrative Twenty20 competition, starting March 12.
Daredevils fulfilled their bowling needs by picking up the hugely-talented Parnell in the IPL auction in Mumbai yesterday. Parnell was bought by Daredevils for 610,000 dollar following a fierce battle with Deccan Chargers, who were also keen on the South African youngster.
”I didn’t expect that much but I am really excited,” Parnell told ‘cricinfo’.
The 22-year-old all-rounder also informs that Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra is one of his idols.
”Yes, he was one my idols considering he is a left-handed fast bowler, too. It would be fun to play alongside him,” he said.
A left-arm fast-medium pace bowler and a handy left-hand batsman, Parnell becomes the second South African after AB De Villiers to join the Delhi Daredevils team.
Parnell was the captain of the South Africa team for the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup and was the highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets at 8.38 per wicket. ”I have never been to India before, although I played in successive ICC Under-19 World Cups in Sri Lanka and Malaysia in 2006 and 2008,” said Parnell.
”Going to India for the first time will be a huge challenge and experience and it will be very helpful that I will be touring India with the Proteas before the IPL starts.
”This has undoubtedly been the most memorable week of my cricket career, making my Test match debut for the Proteas and now getting the chance to play in the IPL with and against some of the game’s greatest players,” he said.
Parnell was also pleased to be going to a franchise with a strong South African influence.
”I didn’t have a particular franchise in mind, I simply wanted to get the opportunity,” he said.
”But it will be very helpful to play alongside AB de Villiers at Delhi, who also have our fitness trainer, Rob Walter, on their staff.
”They have some great Indian players on their staff, such as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir
, and I am sure I will learn a lot about conditions in India,” the seamer added.
——-Agencies