Keeping in touch with Arshdeep Singh for lessons: Aayush Singh

Aayush Singh, the Sonnet paceman who became the first bowler to pick a five-wicket haul in Delhi Premier League, is seeking guidance from India pace bowler Arshdeep Singh especially to understand the art of bowling at the death.

The 22-year-old picked 5/27 for Purani Dilli 6 against North Delhi Strikers on August 27 night at the Ferozeshah Kotla grounds of Arun Jaitley Stadium.

“I have been in touch with Arshdeep Singh, and speak to him a lot. I keep asking him things like how to bowl yorker in dew conditions,” said Singh.

The right-armer, known for his swing bowling, started playing cricket 12 years ago at Sonnet Club where he was trained by the late Tarak Sinha and Devender Sharma.

He began as a batsman and played for Delhi under-14 as one. But since batsmen were coming in large numbers in Delhi and there was dearth of fast bowlers, he advised to pick bowling. His height was also a key factor in the decision to switch.

“I first played the state as an opener in under-14. But at Sonnet, they made me a fast bowler. That was a turning point in my life. I have been playing state level. Played 16, 19 as fast bowler. Thanks to Tarak Sinha’s support.

“I was ready to change track. In Delhi, there is a fight for batsmen. But fast bowlers are less in number. I became fast bowler and am now performing.”

Besides playing under-16 and under-19 as a fast bowler, he has also had the opportunity to play for India under-19 and as a net bowler in IPL for Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. The stint with former IPL team got him in touch with Arshdeep. 

“I have represented India at the under-19 level, was a net bowler for two years in IPL for Punjab (2022) and Lucknow (2023). So I have great experience. Glad I could implement my experience. I was tensed yesterday. But [coach] Vijay (Dahiya) sir, and Lalit (Yadav) bhaiya, backed me to the hilt. Glad I got wickets and won the match.

“I have worked a lot on swing from the start. Tarak Sinha helped me a lot. He told me not to try too much.”

The tall pace bowler says that he wants to pursue the long form cricket in future.

“I love red ball because my speciality is swing and red ball swings a lot.”

Tags : Aayush Singh, Delhi Premier League, Cricket, Purani Dilli 6, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Ferozeshah Kotla