Virat Kohli will be my favourite wicket to get in the IPL: LSG's latest recruit Naman Tiwari [Exclusive]

Published - 23 Dec 2025, 21:04 IST | Updated - 23 Dec 2025, 22:58 IST

Lucknow Super Giants’ latest recruit, Naman Tiwari, recently expressed his desires before entering the IPL 2026. The young left-arm pacer has revealed his desire to dismiss Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Tiwari’s confidence, along with his performances through age-group and domestic cricket, has positioned him as one of the most exciting uncapped prospects in LSG’s setup. Tiwari stated that contributing in any phase of the game remains his priority, but if asked about his favourite wicket, Kohli tops the list.

"My thinking is that in any phase, whether it's bowling, batting, or fielding, I should contribute to my team. But if you ask me my favourite wicket, I would say Virat Kohli," he said in an exclusive conversation with CricTracker.

Tiwari also recalled a brief encounter with Kohli during a net session. The incident took place when both players finished their respective training sessions and were rushing back to their hotels.

"Nothing much, he was leaving for the hotel. I had just finished my bowling session. He had come for the practise session. We had a match the next day. It's tough to meet on the day of the match. But the practise session, as soon as he was about to leave, my net session got over. I was also very tired. He was also in a rush. I just clicked a photo and said hi. Then he left, and I left too," he added.

Left-armer Naman Tiwari purchased by LSG for INR 1 crore

The 20-year-old was picked by Lucknow Super Giants, who secured him for INR 1 crore. Entering the auction at a base price of INR 30 lakh, the left-arm pacer attracted 15 bids. Delhi Capitals showed early interest before backing out, while LSG went head-to-head with Rajasthan Royals to secure the uncapped Indian quick. He was among several uncapped players to breach the INR 1 crore mark.

Meanwhile, he first grabbed headlines at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he picked up 12 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 5.17, finishing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker. More recently, Tiwari impressed in the 2025 Uttar Pradesh Premier League while representing Noida Super Kings. He claimed 19 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 8.20, finishing among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

It is worth noting that LSG plans to send him, along with Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan, to South Africa to train with sister franchise Durban Super Giants during the SA20 league. Under the guidance of experienced coaches like Lance Klusener, Tom Moody, and Bharat Arun.