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In a dominant all-around performance on Monday, Punjab Kings defeated the Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets. Nehal Wadhera's brilliant 43 not out off 25 balls was also a big contributor to this victory. But the southpaw was unaware that he will play his first game for PBKS at Ekana Stadium against LSG. As is customary for players these days, he did not even bother to bring his batting and fielding kits. However, in the 19th over of the LSG innings, Wadhera was called up as an Impact Sub.
Nehal Wadhera on getting opportunity against LSG
"I didn't feel much nerves but I didn't know that I would be playing today so I had brought only one kit with me, later I got to know that I'm playing today," Wadhera said in the post-match presentation.
Wadhera expressed gratitude to coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer after getting his team over the finish line.
"When I went into bat, I wanted to play my shots and take my chances. The way Shreyas has been captaining the side it has been great, the way he told me to play my natural game and go with the flow of the game, it's great. The experience which I gained in these last two years, I wanted to showcase my experience here with Punjab. That's how I have been preparing," he added.
Wadhera also hailed legendary Ricky Ponting as one of the best coaches he has played under in his career till now. "He (Ricky Ponting) is one of the best coaches I have worked under, I have never heard a negative word from Ricky Ponting till now. He only talks positive things, when a coach gives such remarks, it boosts your confidence."
PBKS bowling first restricted LSG to 171/7 with the help from Arshdeep Singh's three wickets and crucial contributions from other bowlers. After this, PBKS comfortably chased down the target in 16.2 overs. Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer's fifties and knock from Nehal Wadhera took the Kings over the line easily.
