IPL: Watching pacers like Sandeep and Anureet succeed gives me a buzz, says Johnson

Kings XI Punjab might boast of big names such as Virender Sehwag, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and George Bailey in their batting order but it’s their bowling attack — consisting of lesser heralded players — that has impressed in the IPL so far. The pair of Sandeep Sharma and Anureet Singh have got off to a good start and have bowled brilliant opening spells against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in their first two games. Anureet finished with figures of 3/23 from four overs against Rajasthan Royals and Sandeep bowled an exceptional spell of swing bowling against Mumbai Indians — finishing with figures of 4-1-12-1. The Kings XI pace attack of Sandeep, Anureet and Mitchell Johnson dismantled the Mumbai Indians top order, helping them achieve their first IPL win this year. [caption id=“attachment_2194999” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Sandeep Sharma of Kings XI Punjab celebrates the wicket of Rohit Sharma captain of Mumbai Indians. BCCI[/caption] The leader of the attack - Johnson - who too has got off to a decent start, has been impressed by the duo of Sandeep and Anureet and the hard work they have put in. “I am really impressed with Sandeep and Anureet. They train really hard and always give it a hundred percent. You can never doubt those guys when it comes to giving it their all, " Johnson said in an interview to IPLT20.com Sandeep shot to prominence last year as he ripped through opposition batting line-ups with his swing bowling — ending the season as highest wicket-taker for KXIP with 18 wickets from 11 matches at 19.66. Anureet was recruited in 2014 but didn’t get a game last season. The ex-KKR pacer has however, got a good start to his KXIP career and has been opening the bowling in place of Johnson. Johnson says that keeping things simple has worked for the duo: “They’re just getting more and more experienced and the more games they play the better for them. It is really good to see them bowl the way they bowled against a quality side and going about what they needed to do as part of a bowling unit. Keeping things really simple has worked for them. I love seeing young guys like that who train really hard and it gives me a buzz,” Johnson said. Johnson added that both the players have worked on their pace and he would even trust them to do well on wickets which don’t assist pacers. Johnson acknowledged how KXIP pacers listen to him during the training sessions — and being a senior pro, he likes to lead by example on and off the field. Click here to read the full interview.