Lucknow Super Giants Secure Net Bowler Naman Tiwari in IPL Mini Auction
In a significant move, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have acquired pacer Naman Tiwari for Rs 1 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction. This marks a pivotal transition for Tiwari, who served as a net bowler for the franchise over the past two seasons, now stepping into the official squad as the IPL is set to commence on March 28.
From Net Bowler to Franchise Player: Tiwari's Journey
The city lad from Lucknow is eager to make his debut, despite facing competition from a robust Indian pace bowling unit that includes experienced players like Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan. In an exclusive interview with TOI, Tiwari reflected on his journey, stating, "This is my first season after being a net bowler for two years. Earlier, I was on the other side of the boundary; now I am on this side of the rope, so it is a positive experience."
Guidance from Coaching Staff and Focus on Execution
When discussing his interactions with LSG's coaching team, including global cricket director Tom Moody, head coach Justin Langer, and bowling coach Bharat Arun, Tiwari emphasized the importance of high-level execution. He shared, "From the very beginning, my thinking has been to keep execution at a high level because you get selected only when you are skilled. It's about putting the ball in the right place under pressure. That is the main thing you are taught, whether by Bharat sir, Justin Langer or Tom Moody."
Prioritizing Fitness and Recent Performances
Tiwari highlighted fitness as a critical aspect of his preparation, noting, "Fitness is very important, and I am currently focusing on workouts, drills, and gym sessions to attain full fitness and peak physical condition. You can compromise on skill, but not on fitness." On his recent form, he expressed confidence, citing a hat-trick and four wickets in the DY Patil tournament semi-final, where he applied training from sessions with Bharat Arun in Chennai. "It was a good tournament to play before the IPL," he added.
This acquisition underscores LSG's strategy to nurture local talent, with Tiwari poised to contribute to the team's bowling arsenal in the upcoming season.
