Shreyas Gopal hopeful of representing India, irrespective of any format
What's the story
Rajasthan Royals' all-rounder Shreyas Gopal opened up on his aspirations of donning the blue jersey. In a conversation with their recently appointed spin consultant Ish Sodhi during 'The Royals Podcast', Shreyas stated that he is ready to face the stern challenges of international cricket. However, the 26-year-old does not want this pressure to get the better of his game. Here is more.
Quote
'I want to work hard', says Shreyas
"I do want to play for the country whichever format it is. If I can don India colours, I will be really proud of myself. I don't put too much pressure on me. I enjoy the IPL. I work hard," Shreyas said.
Team culture
Shreyas hailed the RR team culture
Shreyas, who has 38 IPL wickets to his name, was RR's leading wicket-taker last season with 20 scalps According to him, the team culture in the Rajasthan Royals camp has been healthy. "Best part of Royals is the team culture that we create. Everyone in this team has a say in the team meeting whether he is in the XI or not," he said.
Anil Kumble
Kumble kept me on my toes: Shreyas Gopal
Interestingly, Shreyas made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in a match against RR (2014). India's most successful leg-spinner Anil Kumble was MI's bowling coach at that time. "He was my first coach in Mumbai Indians. I had interacted with him there," Shreyas said. He added, "He is a taskmaster and great off the field also. He did not spare me in the nets."
IPL 2020
The BCCI is yet to take a call on IPL
IPL 2020 has been shrouded in uncertainty after the tournament was postponed from March 29 to April 15. The postponement came after the Indian government imposed stern travel restrictions in the wake of COVID-19. As per a BCCI official, the cricket board is eyeing the October-November window to stage the IPL. However, this is possible only if ICC defers the T20 World Cup.