IPL 7: It's play & learn time for rookies

ABU DHABI: Some of the younger lot of bowlers in IPL 7 are benefitting immensely from rubbing shoulders with the big names.
The young Rishi Dhawan, who plays for Kings XI Punjab, is giving Mitchell Johnson good company. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is bowling alongside Dale Steyn for Hyderabad. In Mumbai, New Zealander Corey Anderson is getting to spend time with Zaheer Khan. Dhawal Kulkarni, who has been impressive for the Rajasthan Royals, is playing under Shane Watson.
Speaking to the IPL website, Anderson talked about how he had been learning from Zaheer each day at the Mumbai Indians. "I have spoken to him a few times and he is a master in what he does. Bowling left-arm obviously helps," he said. "It's so good to have him (Zaheer) around."
At Chennai Super Kings, Ishwar Pandey and Mohit Sharma are experiencing a similar phase with Ben Hilfenhaus. "They both are developing really well and have done well in the initial days of the tournament," says Hilfenhaus of the two bowlers.
Bhuvneshwar is making the most of Steyn's presence. From sitting next to the South African pacer in the team bus to walking him to practice sessions, chatting him up and more, the young India bowler believes it's a great opportunity for him.
"He's a great guy to be around with. There's no pressure of him teaching or me learning. Just casual conversations are so helpful. To watch him in action, whether in a match or at nets sessions is great," says Bhuvneshwar.
The young Dhawan, who played with the Mumbai Indians till last season, is now with Kings XI Punjab, where Johnson is at the helm of the attack. "It was great to have been in the same team with him last season too (with MI) and now again. He's really good to talk to, so yes, there's a lot of learning happening," Dhawan was quoted as saying.
While IPL, which goes on for close to two months, can be very taxing, there's also time for these players to catch up on their learning.