IPL is best place to prove one’s worth: Lendl Simmons

Mumbai Indians batsman Lendl Simmons hailed Indian Premier League (IPL) as the best Twenty20 tournament in the world, adding that the cash-rich league is the best platform where a cricketer can prove one’s worth.

“IPL is the biggest and best Twenty20 tournament. And there’s no better way out than proving yourself and proving one’s worth at the IPL,” Simmons told IANS at a Kingfisher Bowl Out event here on Monday.

On Sunday, against his team Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) AB de Villiers struck an unbeaten 133 off just 59 balls, making a mockery of Mumbai’s bowling attack.

Simmons praised De Villiers’ effort, saying “he is a world class player who is someone out of this world”. “AB is a world class player. We see that at different levels, in Test cricket and One-Day-International (ODI) cricket. It doesn’t matter what format he plays, he is still a <g data-gr-id="29">world class</g> player. He is someone out of this world. When he finishes with the game of cricket, everyone will remember him,” the West Indian said.

Simmons has been consistent with the bat this IPL season, scoring 345 runs from nine games at an average of 43, which include four half-centuries, <g data-gr-id="41">highlight</g> being 71 off 56 balls against Kings XI Punjab. In the 2014 IPL <g data-gr-id="40">too</g> he was a regular contributor with the bat, scoring 394 runs from eight games, smashing a match-winning century off 61 balls against Kings XI Punjab. 

The right-handed opening batsman, besides his individual runs, has also been part of some healthy opening partnerships with Parthiv Patel, which has helped the team put on big runs on the board. Speaking on his good run, Simmons said, “It’s just about getting <g data-gr-id="38">good</g> start to my innings. I do what it is required off me. I want to get my team off to a good start and in a good position. So <g data-gr-id="36">far</g> things are going <g data-gr-id="34">good</g> for me and I hope to deliver for Mumbai back again in the upcoming matches.”

Known to be an excellent fielder and an occasional wicket-keeper, Simmons came into limelight when he represented the West Indies in the 2002 and 2004 Under-19 World Cups. He received his Test cap against England in March 2009, playing eight matches, 68 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 34 T20 Internationals.