I am trying to do my best:  Abhilash

Abhilash gave his teammates a cause to celebrate three times on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH

For a rookie fast-bowler, Abhilash Shetty has done rather well.

In his maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign for Karnataka, the left-armer finished with 17 wickets, fifth best in the tournament. This included a nerveless performance against Baroda in the quarterfinals where he successfully bowled the last over with 13 runs needed.

And on Thursday, in only his second First Class game, the 26-year-old returned figures of 3/19 including the prized scalp of Shubman Gill.

“My natural delivery comes in, but initially I didn’t get much control,” he explained after the close of play. “But after two balls, it fell into place. I thought ‘he [Gill] would have seen me take the ball away initially. If I stick to my line and length, he would drive, and a gap would be created between bat and pad’. That’s what I did.”

Late bloomer

It is hard to believe that the Udupi native had no experience of bowling with the red cherry until he turned up for sports quota selection at Alva’s College aged 16. But after coming under the tutelage of former India and Karnataka fast bowler Abhimanyu Mithun in Bengaluru, he has truly blossomed, turning in impressive performances in league cricket and Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20.

“Mithun sir guides me in everything. I have also spoken to S. Aravind sir. In 2021, I had a stress fracture and was out for eight months. Mithun sir helped me regain my swing, positioning of the wrist and the finish.

“All through, I never stopped working. I knew my chance would come. Now, I am trying to do my best.”