The right-arm pacer bagged 11 wickets in 10 matches in the 17th edition of the IPL, causing all sorts of problems for the batters with his ability to swing the new ball. Now back with the Knight Riders, he is delighted to return to the franchise that feels like family.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was special to be back with KKR. I\u2019ve been with the Knight Riders since the last four seasons, and there is an emotional attachment with the franchise. It feels like my own family. So, when KKR picked me again, I was relieved to go back to the team I won the title with last year. I didn\u2019t want to play for any other team\u201d, he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 27-year-old has been putting in the hard work behind the scenes, focusing on expanding his horizons to be more than a new ball bowler. Coming off an impressive domestic season, he is determined to contribute in all stages of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI did well in the powerplay in 2024, and I\u2019ll take confidence from that. However, I have worked on my death bowling, and I want to be as effective as possible, even at that stage of the game. I\u2019ve focused on my slower ones, yorkers and other variations, even in red ball cricket. I\u2019ll try to bring that same execution to white ball cricket to try and do well at any stage of the game\u201d, he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Working with Bharat Arun, the former Indian and current KKR bowling coach has played an integral role in shaping Vaibhav\u2019s evolvement in last few years. Crediting his coach\u2019s impact, he mentioned, \u201cI\u2019ve worked with Bharat sir in the last couple of years, this will be the third year. The way he shares his experiences and learnings has helped me become a better bowler each year. So hopefully, I\u2019ll do even better under his guidance this year and try to make the team win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Vaibhav has also formed a formidable partnership with Harshit Rana, with the two running riot as a deadly duo. The two also share a great camaraderie on and off the field, and are excited to be reunited once more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is our third year together. We didn\u2019t get a chance to play together initially but when we did, we had done well for the team. Even last year, when we won the trophy, as a partnership, we worked well together from both ends.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When you\u2019re bowling in partnerships, there\u2019s a different relation you create off the field as well. This year he was retained, and I was bought in the auction. It feels like the brothers have reunited again.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking forward to the kind of pressure and responsibility he will shoulder for the team this season, Vaibhav reckoned, \u201cThere is an expectation from the fans, and trying to match those expectations is always fun. Winning the trophy once is amazing but the real challenge is to continue doing that season after season. It\u2019s a different kind of challenge and it will be enjoyable in those circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When you\u2019re bowling in partnerships, there\u2019s a different relation you create off the field as well. This year he was retained, and I was bought in the auction. It feels like the brothers have reunited again.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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