JAIPUR: 'People call me Malinga', says Ravinder Khichar whose bowling action has striking similarity with that of the former Sri Lankan pacer. There is no exaggeration here. If you happen to enter the SMS Stadium, ask about Ravinder and the reply would be 'who Ravinder?'. After further nudging, the reply would change to 'achha woh Malinga (oh! that Malinga)'.
These days, the 22-year-old from Bhadra tehsil in Hanumangarh district can be seen bowling at the net sessions of Rajasthan Royals being held in Jaipur. For him, it is not only a great chance to bowl to some of the best players in the world, but also to learn from Royals bowling coach and his idol Lasith Malinga.