Muralitharan, Daniel Vettori helped improve my bowling: Zeeshan Ansari
His long wait for a comeback in red-ball cricket was fuelled by lessons picked up from legendary spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori during a stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, says legspinner Zeeshan Ansari. The UP player, who was a member of India’s U-19 World Cup 2016 side alongside the likes of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar, saw his career getting a boost when SRH roped him in their squad during IPL 2025.
Ansari followed it up with a strong comeback for Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, nearly five years after his last Ranji Trophy appearance for the state in 2020. He was also picked in the India ‘A’ side for their two unofficial Tests in Sri Lanka.
“When I was in SRH, I benefited a lot from Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori. They told me a lot of things about bowling that I did not know. Whatever I learnt from them has helped me a lot. If I keep doing the same things, my graph will improve,” Ansari said. The 26-year-old has also been benefiting from the guidance of former India spinner Piyush Chawla during UP T20 League. “I have spoken to Chawla twice in the UP T20. He told me that I am bowling really well and gave me some advice. I am learning as much as I can from them. They are helping me a lot,” Ansari said.
Ansari has carried his form into the UP T20 League, where he is the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets from six matches. His team, Meerut Mavericks have also been unbeaten, winning all six games so far.
“The team is in good mood right now. We have won six out of six matches, so everyone is happy. I want to go and play the Duleep Trophy after this match. So, this will be my last match here. I want to do well in Duleep Trophy,” he said.
He also praised captain Rinku Singh for ability to connect with the players.
“The best thing about him is that he talks to all the players. Even when you are on the ground, he is able to connect with you and understand you. He asks you whether you should bowl or not. That makes him really special,” Ansari said.
