For Negi, life changed in six days

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 6

February 1 — Pawan Negi gets his maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

February 5 — the Delhi all-rounder is included in both Asia Cup and the World T20 squad.

February 6 — The 23-year-old draws the biggest bid (Rs 8.5 crore) among the Indian players.

It’s been life-changing six days for Negi. On Saturday, Negi saw his value skyrocket from a base price of Rs 30 lakh to a mind-boggling Rs 8.5 crore. His selection to the World T20 squad a day before apparently played a part in franchises engaging in a fierce bidding war for him. 

“It’s surreal, I am living a dream. Life has changed for me in just six days,” said an ecstatic Negi. “The huge price tag has brought the pressure of expectations. I have to justify the faith shown in me. But before the IPL, my priority is to perform for the country as and when I get a chance to play.”

Negi, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the 2014 auction at a reserve price of 10 lakh, said he benefitted immensely from playing under Mahendra Singh  Dhoni and credited CSK coach Stephen Fleming for his success. In 14 matches for CSK, Negi took 13 wickets at an average of 29. His overall T20 record stands at 46 wickets and 479 runs from 56 T20 games.

“Both have played a huge part in improving my game. Dhoni has always backed my instinct to bat freely; I learnt to read the match situation from him. I was hoping to play with them again, but Delhi Daredevils picked me. I am happy to be back with Delhi,” he said. He played for Delhi in 2012 and 2013. 

TA Sekar, mentor of Delhi Daredevils, said Negi’s World Cup selection influenced their decision. 

“Negi is a good buy for us, considering he was picked for the World T20 squad. He has done well in the shortest format. He was with us for two years. We wanted to pick him in 2014 as well, but things didn’t work out that time. I’m glad he is back with us now,” he said.

Negi’s family hails from Almora in Uttarakhand and his father is a senior clerk in the University Grants Commission (UGC).