The game against the Chennai Superkings may have put an end to the 3-match winning streak for RCB, but even in the rubbles of a 23-run defeat, there were plenty of positives for the team. Perhaps, none bigger than the impressive IPL debut of Suyash Prabhudessai.

Making his first appearance on the IPL stage in a marquee clash against the Chennai Superkings, were there any nerves? “Obviously, those butterflies are always there when you’re going on the ground for the first time, and it’s a big league. But then, I was talking to all the senior players in the team, and they made me feel very comfortable on the ground. It was my debut, but it didn’t feel like I was playing for the first time. The crowd was really good, and I enjoyed doing it,” said Suyash Prabhudessai.

What was the chat that the debutant had with Dinesh Karthik all about? “When I was about to go inside (to bat), I was talking to DK bhai(Dinesh Karthik) about how I should divide the big scores into smaller bits. DK bhai just told me to go and enjoy the game, look for the opportunity to score runs. I was just waiting for the loose balls, and even when they bowled good balls, I was trying to convert them into singles and twos. That’s what I was talking to Shahbaz (Ahmed) also. Shahbaz also gave me some ideas. So, it really helped to have him as the non-striker,” revealed the Goan all-rounder, Suyash.

What did the Director of cricket operations think of Suyash’s debut? “He’s done everything asked of him to this point to get this opportunity. The fact that an opportunity opened up, gave everybody a chance to see what we’ve been seeing for the last few weeks. Great run out to get rid of a key guy like Moeen Ali but he did other special things in the field. He’s a high-quality player. He came in a tough situation and looked like he belonged. That’s what you want to see from these young guys,” said Mike Hesson, heaping praise on the youngster.