Tallangatta has scored a massive coup in the run home to finals by signing a former Indian under 19 squad all-rounder.
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Sahib Malhotra spent time with the star-studded junior outfit, as well as the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.
“I am hoping for more exposure, it really will be more exposure than in India,” he said.
“I want to take my cricket to the next level.”
I am hoping for more exposure ... I want to take my cricket to the next level.
- Sahib Malhotra
The 24-year-old is a right-arm opening bowler, who can seam the ball at around 125km, and coach Matt Armstrong says he’ll be one of the association’s best players.
“Yeah, definitely, having that experience playing with lots of international players and playing at a higher standard,” he said.
“And also the fact that he’s trying to forge a career out of cricket.”
Armstrong played with Malhotra’s brother for the US All Stars in the recent US version of the Big Bash.
Ironically, it was that trip which led to Malhotra’s signing as the replacement for former Sri Lankan international Dilhara Lokuhettige, who dislocated his ankle while playing in that tournament.
“Dilhara was our strike bowler and a good hitter in the middle, so that little bit of impetus is just missing from our team so we try and find someone to replace him and hopefully we’ve got a pretty good guy to step in,” he said.
Armstrong admits it will naturally take time for Malhotra to adapt to Australian conditions.
If he can, it could prove the difference in one of the tightest competitions in years.
The Bushies started the season with seven straight wins, but have now lost four of their last five to plummet to sixth spot, just 3½ points ahead of Albury.