Punjab leggie Sarabjit Ladda looking forward to bowl for Daredevils

NEW DELHI, JAN 30: Sarabjit Singh Ladda, the leg-spinner from Punjab says he “overwhelmed’ with his induction into the star-studded Delhi Daredevils for the IPL-3.

The 23-year-old Punjab lad, who has impressed in the Ranji Trophy this season is the first player from Punjab to join Daredevils.

"When (Dinesh) Karthik (the vice-captain of Daredevils) told me to join Delhi Daredevils for the next IPL, I was definitely overwhelmed. Being selected in IPL is a big breakthrough in my career. I was little disappointed at not having made it to the first two editions of IPL. I am excited to play along side Sehwag, Gambhir and of course Amit Mishra," Sarabjit told the Indian Express.

Ladda, who has signed a one-year contract, made his debut for Punjab in 2007 after 13 players joined the ICL. He has played nine Ranji Trophy matches and taken 29 wickets.

Sarabjit was born in Bathinda and took to cricket after watching Australia's legend Shane Warne bowl on television in 1990s. He began taking bowling coaching in Bathinda and tried to copy Warne's bowling style.

He was advised by his coach Ashanand Saini to shift to Patiala for his cricket and got himself enrolled with coach Munish Bali. In order to give push to his son's cricket desires his father, a constable in RPF, got himself transferred to Patiala eight years ago. His selection to the cricket’s most famous leagues has justified that move.

"I have struggled a lot during my initial days. Putting behind everything, I am looking forward to the future with a positive frame of mind. If I work hard and stay focused I am sure I can taste success at the top-level. When someone is playing along side international cricketers, he has to be on his toes so that he maintains those standards. IPL has become a global venture, so, being art of it will always be a huge thing for a small-town cricketer like me" said Sarabjit.

Talking of Warne, he said, “He is my ultimate hero.” He hopes to bowl something like the ‘Ball of the century” which Warne did to dismiss Mike Gatting in 1993.

Sarabjit top-delivery is the flighted ball. "I bowl on fuller length mostly, but when I bowl a flighted delivery, it fetches me a wicket. I am looking forward to working and training with Daredevils in February during practice matches and pick a few tricks from coach Greg Shipperd and Mishra. Bowling in T-20 tournament will be challenging for a leg-spinner like me," he added.

Sarabjit made his first-class debut for Punjab against Andhra in November 2007. Since then he has played nine first class matches and taken 29 wickets with five for 39 as his best.

Quick Facts:

Name: Sarabjit Ladda (India)
Born: July 10, 1986, Patiala
Major teams: Punjab, Delhi Daredevils
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Legbreak