Vriitya Aravind Reflects on Growth with Desert Vipers Ahead of Global Super League
Vriitya Aravind's Journey with Desert Vipers
UAE wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind attributes his development as a cricketer to his time with the Desert Vipers in the ILT20. He was part of the victorious Vipers squad in Season 4 and subsequently excelled in the Emirates' domestic D50 tournament, amassing 299 runs, which ranked him third in the competition, as per a press release. Following his contributions to the Vipers' success and his impressive domestic performance, Vriitya has been chosen to represent the Desert Vipers in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League scheduled for late July and early August, featuring five franchise teams from around the world.
Impact of Vipers on Personal Development
In a conversation on the Vipers Voices podcast, Vriitya expressed, "Being part of the Vipers squad has significantly aided my growth both on and off the field. I can see my game evolving positively, and I firmly believe that the Vipers camp has been a crucial factor in my current progress. Off the field, I have formed strong friendships and maintained connections with excellent coaches. They have been very supportive whenever I have sought their advice, making this experience invaluable for me."
ILT20: A Launchpad for UAE Cricketers
After the triumph in Season 4, Vriitya's teammate Khuzaima Bin Tanveer secured a spot in the Pakistan Super League with Karachi Kings. Vriitya noted that just a few years ago, it would have been unimaginable for a UAE player to participate in an international league. He credits the DP World ILT20 for establishing a vital platform for UAE players to showcase their skills and expand their reach. "Khuzaima's success serves as a great motivation for UAE cricketers to excel and contribute to the team's achievements. Performing well in the UAE team and the DP World ILT20 attracts attention from franchise teams, which ultimately benefits both the individual and UAE cricket as a whole. I recall my UAE debut in 2019 when opportunities like this were non-existent. The emergence of leagues like the DP World ILT20 has turned dreams into reality, as seen with Khuzaima Bin Tanveer and Muhammad Waseem being selected for the PSL. Many players are now getting opportunities in larger leagues," he stated.
Excitement for the Global Super League
Looking ahead, Vriitya is eager to participate in the Global Super League in Guyana. He shared, "I am genuinely excited about this opportunity. I've heard a lot about the Global Super League from my teammates who participated last year. Winning the DP World ILT20 has opened the door for us to compete in the GSL, which feels like a dream come true. I had envisioned this moment, and now it's happening, which is quite amazing."
Preparation for GSL in the UK
With cricket activity in the UAE slowing down due to the summer heat, Vriitya has planned his preparation for the GSL by playing club cricket in the UK. "I took a brief break and am now in the UK playing for Stourbridge in the Birmingham League. I wanted to get back into cricket and prepare for the GSL. The weather in Dubai is quite hot, limiting our cricket opportunities. The UK is ideal right now, with the cricket season in full swing. I am playing weekly matches and training regularly. I aim to be ready for both top-order batting and finishing roles, applying everything I've learned from the Vipers' camp earlier this year. I want to ensure I leave no stone unturned in my preparation. I feel confident that we can replicate our success from the DP World ILT20 in the GSL," he concluded.
Desert Vipers Squad for Global Super League
The following players will represent the Desert Vipers at the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League: Chris Green (AUS) - Captain, Daryl Mitchell (NZ), Bevon Jacobs (NZ), Shadab Khan (PAK), Vriitya Aravind (UAE), Khuzaima Bin Tanveer (UAE), Matiullah Khan (UAE), Sanjay Pahal (UAE), Andries Gous (USA), Kyle Mayers (WI), Khary Pierre (WI), Ramon Simmonds (WI), Zachary Carter (WI).