Gony hopes for a repeat show in SA

Among the most amazing success stories of the first Indian Premier League was Manpreet Gony: Six months into his first domestic season,Gony shared the new ball for Chennai Super Kings,picked up wickets galore and won over his skipper and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Soon,Gony walked into the Indian one-day team for the Asia Cup.

As the second IPL gets ready to kick off in South Africa,Gony has a reputation to defend. People know me due to my bowling in last years IPL, the Mohali pacer told The Indian Express from Chennai,where his team is training. This time,expectations would be huge. I have to not only match what I did last year; I will try to do better,both in terms of my own bowling and contributing to the teams success.

Luck played a huge part in Gonys dream run last year. He was drafted only after Uttar Pradesh pacer Sudip Tyagi pulled out at the last moment due to injury. That was the turning point. Dhoni had so much trust in me I was an unknown player but he made sure I didnt feel that way, he says,adding,I am in touch with Dhoni in New Zealand too.

Goni had to miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to a knee injury,and had to spend time in rehab at the National Cricket Academy. Now,back to full fitness ,Gony is eyeing bigger targets the World T20 Championships.