Shival Kaushik has created a buzz in IPL 2016 as he burst onto the scene with “frog in a blender” action. He made his debut for Gujarat Lions. His weird bowling action reminds us of former South African spinner Paul Adams. When people have seen Adams they believed that they would never see a spinner like him.
Two decades later after Adams’ debut Shival Kaushik has emerged as the proud successor to the South African spinner’s “frog in a blender” action.
Heads, including Kaushik’s own, turned at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium when the left-arm chinaman bowler made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Gujarat Lions on Friday.
Kaushik was introduced in the eight over of the match, the 20-year-old moseyed slightly wide of the crease when a spirit seemed to enter his body as he bent his knees, twisted his torso and sent down the ball rotating the ball arm around his head.
“Shivil Kaushik. Wow!! Wouldn’t have thought we’d ever see that action again. #Gogga #PaulAdams #FrogInABlender,” tweeted former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa.
The former Zimbabwean is not alone. For many, it brought back the memories of Adam’s outrageous action which got him a bagful of wickets, especially in his debut home series against England.
Adams, who is coaching Cape Cobras, himself, appeared amused.
“Remind you of someone! Wow, #Kaushik ! Great to see the art of #Chinaman bowling alive,” tweeted ‘Gogga’, who played 45 tests and 24 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1995-2004.
Obliged Kaushik thanked all his coach for not forcing him to give up the action, however, weird it may be.
“I was eight-years-old when I started playing cricket and the first ball I bowled was this way and I have not changed,” the spinner said after claiming 3-20 against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday.
“Batsmen found it a bit difficult because my action was a bit different. I got a lot of support from all my coaches. They’ve not tinkered my action and been backing me.”
Kings XI Punjab skipper Murali Vijay initially was outclassed by Kaushik’s spin. “It’s something which comes naturally to me so my body doesn’t take much of a load.”
Kaushik’s debut match was only about his action as he didn’t get any wicket, but he bounced back in the second match when he took three wickets, dismissing rival skipper Murali Vijay and the Australian duo of Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell.
“The first three balls, I didn’t understand what was happening,” Vijay, who opens for India in tests, said with a smile.
“It was very difficult for me to pick whether it’s going in or coming out. I did my video analysis before the game and I saw a bit of his bowling, but it was still difficult.
“Maybe the next time I face him, I will be better equipped.”
Once the element of surprise wears off, Kaushik will need much more than just an unorthodox bowling action to graduate to international cricket.
The youngster is now focussing on getting his line and length right and refuses to look too far.
“It feels really nice that a lot of people (are) talking about me but I think it’s more important to stay focused and look at our future matches and all I look to do is to contribute to our team.”