Chris Lynn names which Indian batting style he likes most and the toughest Indian bowler he has faced [Exclusive]

During a recent interview with CricTracker, the 35-year-old said that Sunil Narine and Jasprit Bumrah are two of the toughest bowlers he has faced in the IPL. Lynn also named Abhishek Sharma as the Indian batsman whose batting style he admires the most. Abhishek is currently the top-ranked batsman in T20I cricket, while Bumrah and Narine are two of the best match-winners in IPL history.

During the interaction, the right-handed batsman also looked back on some of his favorite moments from his IPL career and revealed the best advice he received from a senior player.

Excerpts from the interview

You have faced some of the best Indian bowlers in the IPL. Who is the strongest Indian bowler you have ever met?

Toughest Indian bowler in the IPL? When I was with Kolkata Knight Riders, I played wide Sunil NarineI remember my first year there. I played only two matches that season and spent most of my time batting in the nets. Sunil bowled to me, and I think it took about six net sessions to hit the side of the net and figure out which direction he was turning the ball. He is an absolute superstar. On the other hand, I also got the chance to bat with him, and we had some great partnerships. It really showed that actions speak louder than words, especially with Sunil, who is not a big talker.

But I don’t think you can look past Jasprit Bumrah. I remember when he first came on the scene and bounced AB de Villiers, then charged him and caught him right on the helmet. I remember immediately thinking he had something special. He may be unorthodox, but his execution is second to none. The best in the world. His work ethic, his understanding of the game and the respect he has for it make him truly world class.

Which batting style of current Indian batsmen do you like the most and why?

Whose hitting style do I like most? At this point it has to be that way Abhishek Sharma. Every time I turn on the TV it seems like he scores fifty balls from sixteen balls, and that’s on a slow day. He’s a young kid coming up and already making a huge impact. I remember hearing that Ricky Ponting was devastated when his team didn’t keep him. And Ricky is one of the greats of the game. His understanding of cricket is second to none. That’s why, when he comments, he so often seems to predict the future and people react with surprise. There’s really no surprise in what Ricky says. But yes, Abhishek Sharma.

Do you have a special memory or match from your IPL journey that is close to your heart?

Look, I think every time you win the IPL, it’s special. I was fortunate to be part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squads when we won in Bangalore, and then again in Dubai after scoring a big score. Those moments stay with you. On a personal level, that catch was clearly a moment that put me on the map. Then there was a game I hit Gautam Gambhir. It was the first match of the season in Gujarat, and we chased around 160 without losing a wicket. That was a special moment for me because Gauti is one of the greats of the game in India and is hugely respected. I was the young kid on the other end of the line, and my role was simple: I took over the power play. It paid off and really got my run with Kolkata going.

A year or two later I was batting in Bangalore with Sunil Narine and we scored over 100 in the powerplay, which was pretty cool. I remember we were at 98 and Yuzvendra Chahal was bowling. We were trying to be the first pair to reach 100 on the powerplay, and while Sunil doesn’t say much, there were definitely a few nerves. I managed to sweep one over the ropes to get us there.

Since then, you have seen guys like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma take it to another level by scoring 130 or 140 in the powerplay. The game never goes backwards. It’s pretty special to be able to unlock those core memories.

Like I said, I had ten wonderful years in the IPL. I’m not saying no to going back either, but the caliber of young cricketers coming through now is unbelievable. Especially as a foreign player you have to be the best of the best, or someone who can contribute in multiple ways. Anyway, it’s been an amazing journey so far.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a senior player?

Best advice? It’s something that’s always on my mind. I don’t remember who said it to me all those years ago, but it was this: don’t count the days, make the days count. That has stuck with me ever since.

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