Lukman Meriwala, 29, a pacer from Baroda made his debut for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The South African speedster and the Delhi Capitals’ clog, Kagiso Rabada presented him the debut cap.
After concluding the domestic session successfully, Meriwala flagged off his IPL career. He became the second-highest wicket-taker in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 15 wickets at an average of 13.26. Despite having the likes of Umesh Yadav in the squad, the management showed trust in Meriwala’s abilities and the fast bowler delivered the goods.
Lukman Meriwala shares a heartwarming story
After the game, Lukman Meriwala shared an overwhelming message sent by his daughter asking him if he would play yesterday. The fast bowler said he is happy that he could tell his daughter that they won the game.
“Yes, they will be very happy. My daughter sent a voice note to me asking “Papa, will you be playing today?” I’m happy that I got to tell her that I played the match today and we won the match as well,” an emotional Lukman Meriwala said in a video posted by the franchise.
Watch the video:
📽️ From his daughter's voice note to his first IPL wicket, the last 24 hours will never be the same for Lukman Meriwala 💙🤗#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 #DCvPBKS #CapitalsUnplugged @OctaFX @tajmahalmumbai pic.twitter.com/O0tUGIPkR7
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 19, 2021
Lukman Meriwala picked up one wicket conceding 32 runs yesterday as Delhi won the match. He broke off the century-stand between Punjab openers Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul by cleaning up Agarwal for 69. . Meriwala also shared the advice from their stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer.
He didn’t have any striking start as he was smashed for 20 runs. He bowled the second over of the game and Steve Smith dropped KL Rahul in that over. However, his return in the 13th over became fruitful as he removed Agarwal and gave only four runs.
“Rishabh Pant told me to do whatever I have done for Baroda and not think it’s an IPL game,” said Lukman Meriwala.
“Rishabh signaled to me after Woakes bowling his first two deliveries and told me you’ll bowl the next over. I started warming up and started thinking of what to bowl. “He came and gave me the ball and told me to do whatever I have done for Baroda before in the domestic circuit. He told me not to think about the batsman or whatever it’s an IPL game, just told me to bowl the same way and move ahead from here,” Lukman Meriwala added.
