Left-handed batsman Nehal Wadhera made his debut in the Indian Premier League in 2023 for the Mumbai Indians. During his first season, Wadhera impressed everyone, demonstrating his skill on the grandest platform. However, it wasn't until he joined the Punjab Kings this year that the 24-year-old truly found his stride. In seven games, Wadhera has accumulated 189 runs at an average of 37. 80 and a strike rate of 146. 51.

His runs this season are recorded as 43*, 62, 9, 27, 10, 33*, and 5. Wadhera has not hesitated to play his shots from the very first ball, and his fearless style has garnered admiration from various observers. In a challenging 96-run chase during a 14-over match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Wadhera led the team to victory despite losing wickets at the other end.

Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting have consistently supported Wadhera for his knack for commanding matches, and the young batsman has rewarded their faith with impressive displays. With the goal of guiding PBKS to their first playoff appearance since 2014, Wadhera is resolute in enhancing his performance as the tournament approaches its crucial moments.

During a media roundtable arranged by the franchise, Wadhera explained how a significant conversation with Ponting during training camps in Dharamsala gave him a clear understanding of his role for the season. Since that time, he has embraced the chance and has not looked back.

"Our discussions are quite straightforward. Just before the season, we had camps in Dharamsala, and I spoke to him one-on-one, asking him, 'Coach, what number are you considering for me, where do you expect me to bat? ' He informed me that your order can be flexible too, as you handle spin well, so I was fine with that and adjusted my preparations accordingly," Wadhera remarked in response to a Hindustan Times query.

"I believe the camps we had in Dharamsala, alongside Ricky Ponting, provided us with valuable insights and also enhanced our confidence. I think those camps were beneficial for us, and not solely with Ricky, but also prior ones held by Punjab Kings in Chandigarh by Mr. Sunil Joshi and Mr. Trevor Gonsalves. Those preparations were essential since we don't usually receive such training if we're practicing alone. "

After the match against RCB, a photo circulated on social media featuring Nehal Wadhera speaking with Virat Kohli. When questioned about the nature of their conversation, the left-hander disclosed that he sought batting advice from the Indian legend.

"As soon as the match concluded, I approached him and I inquired, 'Virat Bhai, you have observed me for the past two years and this year. Do you notice any change in me, or where do you think I can improve? ' I am a great admirer, and if he provides me with any feedback, I would promptly begin to work on it. He mentioned to me, Nehal, I appreciated your batting, and I replied that this was my strategy," the young player remarked.

"Therefore, I implemented it. He indicated that your strategy was effective to simply attack the bowlers because, in low-scoring matches, it's always tough. Subsequently, he expressed that 'I could perceive composure in your batting and the shots you were playing, had significant thought behind them. Then we engaged in a discussion that confirmed yes, I have done this, I have worked like this. So, he was pleased to witness my preparation, and he was delighted to share his insights with me. I was equally thrilled to receive all his wisdom and the compliments he offered, which meant I was gratified to hear that from a legend such as Virat Kohli. "

Nehal also disclosed that in the past he would approach players like Suryakumar Yadav or Tilak Varma to facilitate his interaction with Kohli. Still, it was heartening that the Indian legend recognized his name this time and inquired about his well-being.

"If you talk about Virat, I didn't talk to him in detail about the preparation. But I did tell him that I had done. Did you find any difference in me in the last 2 years and this year? And he told me that, yes, I can see a lot of composure in your batting. And if he tells me such things, I definitely like it a lot. I was shocked our match wasn't starting. Virat was standing there, and he was talking to Shreyas Iyer," said Nehal.

"He called me himself. He asked me 'ki haal chaal, Nehal?' I was shocked that he even knew my name. Because I wasn't expecting that he would remember my name. So I think from there, I was delighted. So, I think that opened the door for me to go up to him and ask questions. Last year, I used to tell a player, either Tilak or Surya Bhai, that I wanted to talk to Virat Bhai once. So I think that was the actual icebreaker where I got to know that, yes, Virat knows my name. And I could go up to him and have a conversation with him," he added.

In the match against RCB at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Wadhera scored 33 off 19 balls, including three fours and three sixes. The youngster revealed he loves to flourish under pressure situations and has always believed in stepping up for his team.

"I love playing under tough situations. It was a very good opportunity to prove myself. Before going out to bat, the coach came to me and he told me that, Nehal, we just need run a ball, you can just go easy. I said, okay, coach but as soon as I went inside, I felt that RCB put a lot of pressure on us at that time, so I felt that, now that I have come inside, my match-ups are smaller, and I think this is my responsibility now to make my team go through and put some pressure back on RCB," said Nehal.

"As soon as Suyash Prabhudessai came to bowl, I told the non-striker that if you're okay with singles, you do that, but I'm just going to attack all the bowlers, so from there, I just started, and I just completely matched I,t and it turned out very well for Punjab Kings and me," he added.

'Team-man Shreyas Iyer a very good captain

Wadhera also commended his captain Shreyas, referring to him as a "team man" who prioritizes the team's victory over individual accomplishments; his focus is consistently on ensuring the team wins. He also acknowledged Shreyas' collaboration with head coach Ponting for altering the prospects of the Punjab Kings.

"Shreyas Iyer is an exceptional captain. I believe the combination he forms with Ricky Ponting is quite effective. They have previously worked together as a team in Delhi Capitals as well. Therefore, I feel they share an excellent relationship with each other. They maintain a strong connection with us – the newcomers like myself who are joining Punjab for the first time. When I arrived at Punjab Kings, I never felt like I was entering as a new member of a team. I never sensed I was a rookie here. Thus, I believe these factors instill confidence and security in a player," Nehal stated.

"I am very excited. And regarding Shreyas Iyer, he is an outstanding captain. You are all aware from his batting how skillful he is. Nevertheless, the connections he forms and the field adjustments he makes demonstrate that he is extremely engaged and always considers the team. He is consistently a team player. He prioritizes the team over his individual performance. Therefore, I think having a captain like this around you brings about positive energy all around. "

Wadhera's skills were prominently displayed during his inaugural season with the Mumbai Indians in 2023, enchanting fans and experts alike. Despite playing alongside stars such as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, the left-handed batsman managed to hold his own, confirming that he rightfully belongs at this level. Wadhera shared that facing Jofra Archer in practice provided him the confidence to aim high, and he hasn't looked back since.

"When I had my first year with Mumbai Indians, I wasn't even anticipating being part of the first team. I performed well in the practice matches, and that was the first time I faced Archer, so when I batted against Archer, I believe that was a significant moment for me where I gained self-confidence. As the saying goes, it's not just about being good, but it's about recognizing that you are good," he explained.

"When I faced Archer, I acquired the confidence from that encounter that, yes, I am ready for this level. Thus, when I made my debut from that experience, I felt assured. However, while playing for the Mumbai Indians, I always understood that I wouldn’t have a fixed spot in the team because all of the international players were present, and they were all highly experienced. I was quite comfortable with that," he added.

Wadhera mentioned that he missed the opportunity to engage with Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni during Punjab Kings' match against the five-time champions in New Chandigarh. Nevertheless, he conveyed his enthusiasm to connect with the World Cup-winning captain during their upcoming match in Chennai.

The left-handed player also revealed how former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh praised him following Punjab Kings' victory over RCB in Bengaluru. "I talked to Yuvraj Singh after the Bengaluru match, and he congratulated me on my innings. He advised me on how I can play for India. He spoke to me over the phone, and his words felt like golden words to me. He offered me suggestions, and I am thankful to him. I hold him in high regard. I inquired how I can advance one step further," he stated.

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