NEW DELHI: Naman Tiwari, a rising star in the India U19 cricket squad, harbours a bold aspiration of unleashing the fastest delivery ever witnessed in the sport. At a mere 18 years of age, this left-arm pacer draws inspiration from the feats of legendary fast bowlers, while also benefiting from the guidance of India’s pace maestro, Jasprit Bumrah.
Making waves in the ongoing U19 World Cup, Tiwari has captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts with his impressive displays on the field. In five matches thus far, he has scalped 10 wickets at an impressive average of 17.50.
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His journey towards becoming a force on the pitch is underpinned by the invaluable advice imparted by Bumrah during their interactions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“Bumrah is a towering figure of inspiration for us. I meticulously study his bowling videos. I’ve had the privilege of meeting him multiple times at the NCA, engaging in insightful discussions about the mindset and skills required for a bowler,” Tiwari told the media during a practice session at Willowmoore Park Stadium, in South Africa’s Benoni.
Additionally, he said, “He has shared invaluable insights with me, particularly on mastering accurate yorkers, a facet of my game that I’ve diligently honed following his counsel. I am committed to infusing more aggression into my bowling through rigorous training.”
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Hailing from Lucknow, Tiwari has emerged as a formidable threat to opposition batsmen in the U19 World Cup, showcasing his mastery over yorkers and unleashing blistering pace deliveries. Notably, his standout performance in the tournament includes a stellar four-wicket haul against Ireland.
As Tiwari braces himself for the highly anticipated title clash against Australia, he remains resolute in his determination to unleash his full potential and contribute to India’s pursuit of victory.
“I seek to glean insights from every bowler I admire. I’m drawn to Shoaib Akhtar’s sheer pace, Dale Steyn’s lethal swing, and Mitchell Starc’s relentless aggression.”
His sights are set on becoming a lethal fast bowler and representing India in Test cricket. “One day, I aspire to deliver the fastest ball ever recorded in the world. I also dream of donning the Indian jersey in the World Cup for the senior team. But for now, I must remain steadfast in my pursuit of excellence, continuously refining my skills to confront the formidable challenges that lie ahead,” Tiwari concluded.
