Kense joins Mumbai Indians as support player in IPL

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 4 (EMN): Nagaland cricketer Khrievitso Kense seems to be destined to play for Mumbai Indians as the franchisee has selected him as a support player for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season.

It came more than a month after the 16-year-old leg spinner underwent trials with the Mumbai Indians at Mumbai Reliance cricket ground following his impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021.

He was later shortlisted for IPL auction 2021, which was held in Chennai on February 18, but was not bought by any franchisee.

Secretary of Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) Hyunilo Anila Khing, who made the announcement about Kense’s new venture with the five-time IPL champions, told Eastern Mirror that the position where the young cricketer has reached today is something everyone should be proud of.

Maintaining that success has no limit, he said being called to join Mumbai Indians as a support player is in itself a “history”. He added that it is a “big thing” not only for Nagaland but also for the entire Northeast.

‘All credit goes to the teenager who has been so dedicated and sincere towards the game,’ he said, adding that they follow only one formula to climb higher and that is “merit”.

The NCS secretary informed getting a chance to play with the Mumbai Indians team during practice sessions and bowling to some of the finest international and Indian batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard etc. in the nets is a great opportunity for Kense.

Khing, who is also a cricketer, said he encourage the young generation and tell them that the game is known as a gentleman’s game, and the criteria to be a gentleman is all about being sincere and maintain discipline. He also advised youngsters to do the things they like but in a proper manner, especially in sports or for that matter even music, as only talent, merit and sincerity will speak for them.

When asked about the current scenario of cricket in Nagaland, he said it went through “vicious cycle” like any other sports and it was once a very popular in the state. ‘With the changing time, NCA had to once again brand and promote the game,’ he added.

Khing said that cricket has come a long way in the state because of the facilities Sovima Cricket Stadium have been providing in the recent years with support from the chief minister of Nagaland.

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio also took to Twitter to wish the young lad: “I’m happy to know that Khrievitso Kense is selected as a support player by Mumbai Indians for 2021 season. I wish him the best as he joins the team for pre-IPL preparation camp and be with them till the end of IPL2021. I hope he plays a vital role in contributing to the team’s success.”