Focus on fitness pays off for Anureet

NEW DELHI: With 44 wickets from eight games, Railways pacer Anureet Singh had a dream Ranji Trophy season. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker, next only to Rishi Dhawan of Himachal Pradesh. On Monday, all the hard work paid off as Anureet was selected in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy, which begins on Feb 9 in Bangalore.
"I knew I had performed well but I wasn't very sure if I would be selected.I'm very happy as my hard work has been recognized," Anureet Singh told TOI on Tuesday. Born and raised in Delhi, Anureet started playing cricket in 2004, at the age of 15. Inspired by Waqar Younis, Anureet always wanted to be a fast bowler. "When I started playing cricket, my parents told me to focus on studies and get a good job. Later, when my dad saw my love and passion for the game, they supported me fully."
Talking about his initial struggles, Anureet said, "I tried to get into the Delhi junior team for five years. I was always a probable and never got a chance to play. Then I tried for the Railways U-22 side and got selected."
Anureet said he had worked very hard on his fitness. "After playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2009 IPL, I got injured and was out for a year. Then after playing just two matches for Railways, I was diagnosed with malaria. So it was frustrating for me as I always found myself in and out of the side. Only in these last two years have I been able to cement my place. This year I worked hard on my line and length and fitness. I am injury free."
He also said Railways captain Murali Kartik played a huge role behind his success. "He told me to enjoy my game and not to take any pressure. So I felt confident since my captain had confidence in me." Anureet said he regretted losing his cool after being provoked by fans at Eden Gardens during the Railways-Bengal game last month. "Both Kartik sir and Abhay sir told me to stay calm and not lose my temper. I should not have reacted the way I did."
Anureet also credits his success to coach Abhay Sharma and former captain Sanjay Bangar. "Abhay sir used to take a personal interest in my bowling and fitness. Even Sanjay Bangar has helped me a lot." His coach, Abhay Sharma, feels Anureet is ready to play for India. "Anureet has performed extremely well this year. Apart from working on his diet and fitness, I focused on his bowling technique, his action and run up. He applied those changes and they have worked for him. He is ready to play for India."