Life can be unfair.
He was the highest scorer in Ranji Trophy this season with 1034 runs, which included four centuries and an equal number of half-centuries at an superb average of 86.16. His team, Rajasthan, retained the premier domestic title but Robin Bist, who has been a part of the Delhi Daredevils for the last two years, is yet to play a game in the IPL.
However, the Rajasthan middle-order batsman has got something to cheer about. The practice is helping him prepare for the India 'A' tour to the West Indies.
“The kind of batting line-up the Daredevils have this year, it is tough to get a chance and the fact that we've been leading the charts makes it even more difficult to be a part of the XI,” said Bist.
Ready for the tour
The youngster, however, is practicing to play short-pitched deliveries on cement wickets so that he is well prepared in the Caribbean, where the team will play three four-day games, two T20 matches and three ODIs in June-July.
Being a part of the side that lifted the Ranji title for the past two seasons, Bist is disappointed he is the only player from Rajasthan to make the cut for the West Indies tour.
“Yes, I did well during Ranji but it was a team effort. It would have been great had some other players too boarded the flight to the West Indies,” said the 24-year-old.
{{/usCountry}}“Yes, I did well during Ranji but it was a team effort. It would have been great had some other players too boarded the flight to the West Indies,” said the 24-year-old.
{{/usCountry}}On why he was yet to make it to the XI of his Twenty20 franchise, Bist attributed it to his style of play.
“I have been branded a player who is good for the longer version and not T20 cricket, as I play proper cricketing shots. But over the years, players who have been successful in IPL have also been the ones who have good technique,” said Bist.
Rahane inspires
He takes inspiration from Ajinkya Rahane, who has been successful in IPL, but also plays proper cricketing shots.“He has good technique and doesn't play rash shots even in this format. It gives me a lot of hope that I too can do well in this format,” said Bist.
The Delhi boy feels that if a junior player gets an opportunity to play for a not-so strong side in the IPL, he should grab the chance like Rahane. “He was part of the Mumbai Indians and didn't get much opportunity because the side had big names. He shifted to Rajasthan where he opens the innings with Rahul Dravid.”