Going step by step, hope to play at highest level soon: Madhav | Lucknow News - Times of India

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Lucknow: Madhav Kaushik, who remained unsold in the IPL auction despite being the third highest run-scorer in the second season of UPT20 League, commenced his third season in the UPT20 league on a high note, scoring an explosive 95 off 31 runs in the inaugural match.Talking to TOI, Madhav said, "It was a big disappointment and a setback when I went unsold. I had not expected this as I was the player of the match in the UPT20 League final match and scored third highest runs in the second season. I also performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.""But I overcame it because I think an IPL opportunity will come every year and I will surely secure a berth. I didn't want to waste my energy in a setback and I practiced a lot throughout the year. I know that if I let the bat do all the talking by hitting tons and sixes every franchise will be interested in me," he said.Asked about his explosive batting in the inaugural match, Kaushik said: "Throughout the year, I improved my batting skills and joined innovative practice sessions.""Red ball cricket is the most important. My last season with the red ball was amazing and I highly rate the red ball circuit," he added."I didn't think long term. I go step by step and game by game," he said."UPT20 league is a big platform for us, and we get lots of limelight and exposure. It's a golden opportunity given to us by Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). In the first class and Syed Mushtaq trophy only 15-16 players secure berths but in UPT20 over 200 players get an opportunity to be noticed," he added."During my off seasons for the last three years, I have been going to the United Kingdom and playing in the club division for Clitheroe club in the Lancashire league. I trained under coach Julian Wood and honed my power hitting. Wood was a powerlifting coach and trained me for white ball cricket. In India I trained under Arun Bhardawaj for red ball cricket," Kaushik said, adding that hopefully he would get to play at the highest level soon.