For any bowler the wicket of Virat Kohli would be a prized one and it is no different for Ben Dwarshuis, as the Australia left-arm pacer is eyeing the scalp of India’s star batter in this season of the IPL.
Dwarshuis is no rookie as he is the second highest wicket-taker in Big Bash League with 164 wickets. The 31-year-old is featuring in his first IPL season after Punjab Kings signed him for Rs 4.40 crore at the auction in December last year.
Punjab have started their campaign really well with two wins in as many matches, but Dwarshuis didn’t feature in the playing XI for both the games. Hopefully, the Aussie pacer gets a chance in Punjab’s upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday.
“There are probably six or seven Indian players I could rattle off,” Dwarshuis said.
“But it’s tough to go past taking Virat Kohli’s wicket, whether it’s at home or down in Bangalore. He would certainly be one I’d be happy to take.”
Dwarshuis made his international debut in 2022 and since then has played six ODIs and 15 T20Is. He believes that couple of good seasons in tournaments such as IPL can do a world of good for any player.
“Any time you take the field and have an opportunity to perform, there’s always going to be eyes watching, whether it’s from Australia or other leagues. With the viewership these competitions get, it’s very easy to have a couple of good years, and everyone’s talking about you. But then if you’re not performing well, that sort of viewership leads to maybe fewer opportunities there,” he was quoted as saying.
There is a spot available in Australia’s T20I setup after Mitchell Starc called it quits from the format. Dwarshuis is also aware that a spot has opened up and would go to someone who does well, hence doing well in IPL becomes crucial for the pacer.
“There’s a whole heap of Australian bowlers who have sort of sat behind Mitch Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins, who have just done amazing things for Australian cricket and haven’t really opened the door for anyone else to take their spot.
“Mitch retiring obviously opens up a spot. There’s a whole handful of guys that are trying to get into that spot. Competition’s fierce, but knowing that there is a spot available means a potential avenue there if you perform,” he said.
