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Last night, when the Indian T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series was announced, the selectors named three rookies in the side which include the likes of Baroda batsman Deepak Hooda, Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar and Kerala pacer Basil Thampi.
The trio was rewarded for their consistent performance in the domestic circuit of late. Playing for Gujarat Lions, Thampi made a name for himself with his exploits in the tournament. Though he took just 11 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 38 and an economy of 9.5, numbers that might not look good in T20s, he impressed everyone with his bowling, especially when he was plying his trade in the death overs.
In spite of the average numbers, he was adjudged the Emerging Player of the tournament ahead of the likes of Washington, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Rana etc. He followed his IPL success with some good performances for India A, in the Duleep Trophy and in the Ranji Trophy.
One of Thampi's best moments in the IPL was when he dismissed MS Dhoni for just a 33-ball 26 when Gujarat Lions played Rising Pune Supergiant at the SCA stadium in Rajkot.
Seven months down the line, he is set to play alongside the former Indian skipper and he couldn't hide his excitement about this.
"I am honoured to play alongside someone like MS Dhoni. Having Dhoni stand behind the wickets while I am bowling was a long-time dream of mine. Now there is a chance for that to happen. It is like a dream come true for me," he said.