Tymal Mills: Quick gun from England set to fire under Virat Kohli in IPL

Tymal Mills was bought for a cool Rs. 12 crore by Royal Challengers Bangalore for 24 times his base price and looks set to play a big role in the Virat Kohli-led side.

Not even a month back, India captain Virat Kohli had said Tymal Mills’ pace won’t be a problem in the India-England series since he has played serious fast bowling before as well. Now, Mills is set to play under Kohli in the Indian Premier League. (AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS)

Tymal Mills, who will play under Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is a T20 specialist and has played in various leagues across the world -- for Auckland in the McDonalds Super Smash T20, for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League (PSL). (Getty Images)

For someone who started playing cricket seriously at only 14, Mills’ rise has been phenomenal. Born in Yorkshire, he played for Essex at 19 before making it to the England Lions setup. A career in journalism awaited him but he left the course at University of East London to concentrate on his cricket.

Mills is probably one of those born to bowl fast. So when he started breaking the 90mph mark regularly, there were calls for him to be included in the England squad for the 2013-14 Ashes. A congenital back condition however cropped up. Since his spinal cord is located too close to the vertebrae, too much workload could cause serious pain.

Being bought for a cool Rs. 12 crore, 24 times his base price, in the IPL should be a turning point in Mills’ career. The pressure of playing seven home matches at one of the smallest grounds in the world, along with adjusting to the heat of April-May and a stifling schedule should make this a unique experience for Mills.

If Royal Challengers Bangalore manages his workload smartly, Mills can turn out to be a star of this IPL.