Digvijay eagerly waiting for MRF academy stint

New Delhi: His confidence getting a boost after a first-class debut in Sri Lanka, the third generation cricketer of the legendary Amarnath clan, Digvijay, is now eagerly waiting to make a breakthrough in India starting with a camp at the MRF Pace Foundation from June 14.

The 22-year-old, who is yet to achieve prominence here, has grown in confidence after he got his "biggest breakthrough" in the academy last year. "It was the biggest breakthrough in life. Facing quality bowlers was great experience. 12 out of 14 bowlers practicing there were from different the IPL teams. I have been invited to another bowling camp starting from June 14. I am eagerly waiting for it," Digvijay said. In February this year, Digvijay made his first-class debut while playing for Badureliya Sports Club, a Sri Lankan domestic side. Batting at number four, Digvijay enjoyed moderate success, scoring 138 runs in the four matches, but the exposure of rubbing shoulders with Sri Lanka`s national players was the highlight for him. "I took the opportunity for exposure and it turned out to be fantastic. Surprisingly, pitches in Sri Lanka had pace and bounce and their pacers were bowling fast on those supportive pitches.” "Though conditions were tough, I enjoyed playing Lankan bowlers. I guess being a backfoot player helped me," Digvijay, son of Surinder Amarnath, said. Also, watching some videos of some all-time greats helped the Gujarat-lad. "Lately, my father has asked me to watch videos of Gary Sobers. The ease with which he used to play on the backfoot was phenomenal," he said. However, Digvijay doesn`t have to look outside for advice as stalwarts at home provide him guidance. "My grandfather used to tell me that ups and downs are part of every cricketer`s career. But never lose sight of the goal. My father is also very supportive. Uncle also follows my games. That way I am very blessed," he said. Digvijay came very close to making the Goa Ranji side last year as he was shortlisted for probables. "I was very disappointed when I could not make it to the final 15. It was very unfortunate to have missed out," said the batting all-rounder. Digvijay has a massive task of living up to the name of Amarnaths but the youngster tries to keep his family`s glorious past way back in his mind. "There are expectations when you come from such an illustrious background. People feel you have the genes of great cricketers but one has to be realistic and not think too much about it. "I play like a normal cricketer. At the end of the day you`re performance is going to matter and not name," Digvijay said. PTI