Debutant Suyal leaves an impression

“I would never have imagined a debut like this one. It is unimaginable,” Suyal told Sportline. “I did not get Rahul Dravid’s wicket,but just a few months back I could not have imagined that I would have the opportunity to even bowl at him. It has been a day to remember,” he added. According to the fast bowler,former India spinner Sunil Joshi’s wicket was the most precious of the lot. “All my wickets were special but I enjoyed the way I trapped Sunil Joshi in front of the wicket most of all.”

With only his overnight wicket of Amit Verma against his name,Suyal bowled tirelessly all day from one end before mopping up the tail. In the process,he finished with figures of 26.2 – 7 – 67 – 4. Nicknamed the Paudi Express,Dahiya feels that left-arm seamer could clock past the 140 kmph barrier as his career progresses. “There is no speedometer on this ground,but I feel he is bowling at about 135kmph. He should improve by atleast 5-7 kmph as he gains more experience,” he said.

Dahiya explained that he prefers players with the fire within rather than those with an abundance of talent. “The greatest strength that Pawan possesses is his rawness. He is playing on pure adrenaline. He does not worry about pitching the ball up or making the batsman play. Nor does he give too much thought to the conditions. He is fresh and very eager to bowl,and his lack of experience is currently his greatest weapon,” Dahiya said.

Although a replacement in the side,the coach believes that Suyal has shown great promise on debut at the Roshanara Cricket Club to feature as a regular in the future. “To be spoilt for choice is a good worry to have. Seven of our main team players are not here,but these boys have put up a brave fight against a strong Karnataka side. Suyal should not be seen as Sangwan’s replacement. He will carve his own niche,” Dahiya said,adding,“Suyal is a fine bowler and someone we will groom patiently. But as for now,we are very pleased with the debut.”