EXCLUSIVE | LSG’s New Recruit Naman Tiwari Calls Virat Kohli His Dream Wicket: ‘Want To Be Known For My Performance, Not Fan Moments’

“I want people to know me because of my performance,” said a very confident Naman Tiwari who was recently recruited by Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL 2026 auction for a sum of INR 1 Cr. After making a name for himself at the U19 level, the left-handed pacer is now aiming to get recognition at the highest level.

In an exclusive conversation with NewsX.com, Tiwari talked about his IPL auction bid, becoming a part of LSG and his chat with Virat Kohli. 

Excerpts.

How does it feel to become a part of such big franchise?

It feels really good to join such a big franchise. LSG is a strong team with big players and good performances. This is a big platform, and if you do well here, you can reach the next level. My only plan is to perform well whenever I get a chance and contribute to the team. So, after getting picked in this edition, I feel very lucky and thankful for this opportunity. 

You have also been a part of Rajasthan Royals as a net bowler. Tell us about that experience.

I was with Rajasthan Royals for two years as a net bowler. I travelled with the team during the COVID season. I was very young at that time, around 16 or 17. The atmosphere was very good, and I learned a lot. Overall, that was also a very good experience. 

You started as a batter but made a shift to bowling. Can you explain the reason?

I started my cricket journey as a batter. But in the academy, I didn’t get many chances to bat. I started watching bowlers more and got interested in fast bowling. When I saw fast bowlers hitting the stumps and batters getting uncomfortable, I found it fascinating. Initially, I was not very fast, but with training, practice, fitness, and discipline, my pace improved.

You got a chance to meet Jasprit Bumrah. Can you tell us about the conversation you had with him?

I met Jasprit Bumrah Sir during a high-performance camp at the NCA. I asked him about bowling yorkers, mindset, and how to compete at the highest level. After our conversation, I wrote down everything in my phone. I still try to follow those lessons. I believe in hard work, strong ethics, and sacrifice. I write notes every day because I want to learn continuously. 

You also got an opportunity to meet Virat Kohli. How was the experience?

Virat Kohli is my idol and dream wicket. I met him briefly. For me, there is a difference between meeting and talking. I want people to know me because of my performance, not because I am a fan. Fan moments are natural, but my focus is always on improving as a cricketer.

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