IPL 2023: Big thing for Jammu guy like me to share dressing room with Kohli, du Plessis - RCB's Avinash Singh

IPL 2023: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Avinash Singh has credited Umran Malik for increasing the "value" of cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir. The young pacer, who is yet to play any first-class and List A match, was roped in by RCB for Rs 60 lakh in the IPL 2023 auction.

In an exclusive interview with myKhel.com, Avinash said that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) speedster Umran Malik is the heart of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that he has made the region proud by becoming the fastest bowler from the country and donning the India blue.

Image Courtesy: RCB

"Umran Bhai J&K ki jaan hai agar India ko represent kar rahe hai. Agar Jammu and Kashmir ki value bani hai to unka bhi bohot bada haath hai. (Umran is the heart of J$K, he has represented India and has a massive role to play in putting Jammu and Kashmir on the cricketing map)," he said.

"Breaking any record is not the main goal. Performing well for the team, being consistent for the team and giving my best will make sure the end result is good," the pacer, who bowls at 145 kmph clicks easily, said when asked if he wants to break Umran's record for fastest ball by an Indian bowler.

Notably, Umran Malik once bowled at 156.9 kmph during SRH's match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2022.

Further, Avinash stated that he had nothing but gratitude for getting an opportunity to be the part of RCB and sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest superstars of the game. He said he hasn't set a personal goal for himself but is just aiming to deliver for the team as and when the opportunity to debut arrives.

"Have no personal goal for this season. I just want to deliver when given a chance. It's a big thing for a Jammu guy like me to be part of this big franchise. I had never thought that one day I will share the dressing room with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis and will be bowling to them in the nets, it's all unexpected," Avinash said.

Avinash was a tennis ball cricketer and started playing with leather ball very later in his career. He was picked through RCB’s Hinterland Scouting and the RCB is now working on his strength and conditioning so that he can touch the 150kmph mark.

Avinash has featured in the first five matches which RCB have played in 2023 season. The team is occupying the seventh spot in the 10-team table currently. They have won two and lost three matches.