Naman Tiwari names his top three pacers of all time, includes only one Indian [Exclusive]

Young left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari recently opened up about his cricketing journey, inspirations, and ambitions. Tiwari revealed that he began his cricketing life as a batter but switched to bowling after

noticing that pacers got more opportunities at his academy and required less expensive equipment.

In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker, the 20-year-old named three pacers as his three favourite fast bowlers of all time, drawing learnings from each rather than following a single idol. Family support played a crucial role in his career, with Tiwari recalling how his parents backed him when he chose cricket over academics at the age of 13, earning his first payment of around INR 500 at the Under-14 level.

Recently bought by LSG for INR 1 crore, Tiwari is coming off picking 12 wickets in six matches at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, and 19 wickets in 10 matches in the UP T20 League at an average of 16.26 and a strike rate of 11.00.

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Excerpts

When you thought about playing cricket in your childhood, what was that moment or thing that attracted you to cricket? And did you want to become a bowler right from the start, or did you have something else in mind?

I started as a batsman. I used to bat when I was a kid, but when I joined an academy, I didn’t get many opportunities to bat. Also, the equipment was quite expensive at that time. I noticed that bowlers were bowling more and getting more chances to play, so that’s when I made the switch.

You are known for your outswing bowling, so which bowlers did you follow and look up to during your childhood?

I wouldn’t say idol. I have three favourite bowlers, and I try to learn from anyone I can. But my three all-time favourite fast bowlers are Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, and Dale Steyn.

I read somewhere that you asked your father for two years, saying that you just needed two years to make a name for yourself in cricket. Could you tell us a little about that, and also about the overall role your family has played in your cricketing journey?

I was 13 years old, and it was a 50–50 decision between focusing on studies or pursuing cricket. Once I started playing seriously, it became difficult to manage studies alongside the game. So, I decided that if I were choosing cricket, I would work really hard at it. I played Under-14 cricket and received my first payment. I think it was a daily allowance; you get a DA at that level. My parents were extremely happy that I earned my first payment at the age of 13. The amount didn’t really matter; it was a big moment for me and for them as well. I don’t remember the amount exactly. It was around 500 or so. 

You've also spent time as a net bowler with RR in the IPL, so did you receive any important lessons or tips from any international-level bowler, or from any member of the coaching staff or management team?

You can imagine what it’s like for a 16-year-old boy who hasn’t seen much of the world. We were all from the same state, so it felt familiar in that sense. Something unforgettable happened on my very first day. I had reached late at night, and the next morning, when I opened my door, Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal were standing outside my room, talking to each other. I was starstruck. So, you can imagine the kind of experience it was. In terms of learning, I gained so much. There were Lasith Malinga sir and Kumar Sangakkara sir. Whatever they told me, I tried to absorb it, copy it, and work on it consistently.

If not the Lucknow team, which other team would you like to play for in the IPL?

I was with Lucknow for two years, and I had a gut feeling that I wanted to go with them. At the same time, there was the Rajasthan Royals as well. I had spent two years there and, in a way, grew up with that franchise, I joined when I was 16–17I share a strong bond with both teams. I’m very thankful to the LSG management and to Sanjeev Goenka sir for giving me the opportunity.

Is there any player in the league that you will look up to the most and try to learn the most from?

There is Anrich Nortje, who is a fast bowler. I am very fascinated and passionate about becoming India's fastest bowler. If I get any tips from him, I will carry them forward.

Which batsman would you want to bowl to in the IPL, and whose wicket would you dream of taking?

My mindset is that I can bowl or bat in any phase of the game and contribute to the team whenever needed. My favourite wicket is Virat Kohli. As a bowler, I’m not nervous before stepping onto the field.

After being selected for the IPL, did you have any communication with him? Did he tell you anything? And did you speak to Rishabh Pant at any point?

I got a call from the CEO of Lucknow Supergiants, Vinay Chopra, sir. I also got a call from  Shashwat Goenka, sir and Sanjeev Goenka, sir. It was great.

When you bowled to Sanju Samson for the first time, what was his reaction? Did he give you any tips?

He told me I was bowling well. I was 16 years old. I was bowling around 130-135. I was clicking in between. There was Steffan Jones. He liked me a lot. He told me I was bowling well at such a young age. He told me that I have a brighter future. Sanju Samson liked me a lot.