When arguably one among the recreation’s most interesting openers is following your progress, stays in contact and sends a textual content saying, “Perfect. Very good job!” — you recognize you’ve executed one thing proper.
Maharashtra’s Arshin Kulkarni, taking part in in the Buchi Babu match in Chennai, earned that actual praise from his Lucknow Super Giants coach, Justin Langer, after a surprising efficiency.
The 20-year-old from Solapur scored a sensational 146 in the first innings and adopted it up with a composed 69 in the second, guiding Maharashtra to a complete win over Himachal Pradesh.
In an unique chat with The Hindu, Arshin mirrored on the knock, his time with LSG throughout the IPL, and his rapport with Langer.
“Firstly, I’m pleased I could contribute to my team. I’ve been to Chennai before, during the IPL and trained here. The wicket was excellent — it felt really good to bat on”, Arshin stated.
Recollecting the second he was picked in the IPL public sale, he stated, “I was at home with my mom and sister. When LSG picked me, they both had tears in their eyes — happy tears. It was one of the most emotional moments for our family”.
His IPL expertise, particularly the publicity in the dressing room, left an enduring impression.
“It was surreal to share the space with legends. Just observing their work ethic and discipline taught me so much. Rishabh bhaiyya gave me amazing advice — keep things simple and always stay in the present. That really stuck with me”.
Talking about Langer, Arshin shared a key second from one among their early interactions.
“During our first practice session, JL told me, ‘Watch the ball like Maxwell’. He referenced Maxwell’s 201 in the World Cup — especially how he watched the ball so closely, even when he couldn’t move. That advice stayed with me”.
“JL and I still stay in touch. We keep talking about my batting. I texted him after scoring 146 and 69 in the Buchi Babu, and he replied, ‘Perfect. Very good job!’ That message meant a lot”.
For Arshin, the message is easy: keep grounded and preserve doing the job.
