Basil Thampi wants to live up to Sachin Tendulkar's expectations

KOCHI: Two months of IPL has made Basil Thampi almost a crorepati. While the Kerala pacer was picked up by Gujarat Lions at the auctions for Rs 85 lakh, he added another Rs 10 lakh to his purse when he was adjudged the 'Emerging Player of IPL 10'. The winner was decided through a combination of commentators' choice and public voting. The 23-year-old garnered 57.4% leaving Mumbai Indians' Nitish Rana a distant second with 21.9% votes.
"I am almost feeling like 'Basil in wonderland'. Can't just explain how happy I am. I know many people have appreciated my performances in IPL and they have voted for me. I am thankful to them and it is their love and prayers that have helped me in getting this award. It's not the money but it's the experience of playing such a big tournament that will help me in my career," said Basil, who bought a new car with his first pay cheque from Gujarat Lions, told TOI soon after his arrival home from Hyderabad.
After Sanju Samson was adjudged the 'Emerging Player of IPL in 2013,' Basil has now become the second Keralite to win the coveted prize in the glamorous cricket league. Though Basil claimed just 11 wickets from his 12 games, it was his ability to faux batsmen with yorkers and searing pace that won him admirers. But his 'moment' of IPL came on Sunday when he went to Hyderabad to collect the Emerging Player Award as he bumped into Sachin Tendulkar. "He called out my name and I was in a trance. He said he has been following my performances and has got great expectations from me. He also asked me to work hard and told me that there is no short cut to success. With such words of encouragement coming in from Sachin, I want to live up to his expectations," said the Perumbavoor lad.
The lanky pacer reckons that while the awards and accolades in IPL are encouraging, it only adds to his responsibility. "I have to keep working at my bowling. There are lots of areas where I can improve. Hopefully, the experience and exposure of IPL will make me a better bowler," Basil said.