New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) New Zealand's fast bowler Kyle Jamieson is still awaiting his debut for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2026. However, the towering pacer expressed his eagerness to take on new ball bowling responsibilities once he gets the opportunity, although he acknowledged that his specific role within the team is yet to be clearly defined by the coaching staff.

After playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2021 IPL season, Jamieson returned to the tournament as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson at Punjab Kings. Towards the end of that season, he claimed five wickets in four matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.8, which included a standout performance with three wickets in the final against RCB.

“Not really – just because I haven't been in the team for those first couple of games, so you don't really have too much of an idea around where you're going to slot in. I think that probably comes once you're sort of - if you're fit into an 11 or 12 - you sort of work out, I guess, the mix of your players and bowlers at that point of time,” Jamieson said during a virtual roundtable session with IANS ahead of DC's clash with Gujarat Titans on Wednesday.

So far, DC has secured victories in both of their matches, and Jamieson has praised Axar Patel for his impressive leadership. He noted that Patel has effectively managed the bowlers while fostering a relaxed environment, making the team atmosphere enjoyable, especially with the emerging talent of Sameer Rizvi, who has excelled in challenging run chases.

When discussing Mukesh Kumar's comment after the six-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians, where he drew inspiration from Josh Hazlewood's ability to consistently bowl Test match-like lengths, Jamieson fully supported the sentiment. “I believe what Mukesh referred to, like that simplicity piece is what we're all striving for, right? Everyone has their strengths, and you aim to stick to them. Hazlewood has done that brilliantly over time, and Mukesh executed it exceptionally well in the last game,” he remarked.

“When opponents are hitting boundaries, it’s easy to feel pressured and think you need to change your approach. It’s a matter of character strength to say, ‘No, I’ll stay true to my strengths.’ I understand that doing so gives me the best chance to take wickets, especially during the powerplay. It won't work every time, as good pitches can favor the batsmen, but maintaining that focus is crucial,” he added.

For Jamieson, who recently played all five T20Is for New Zealand against South Africa, his motivation to participate in the IPL extends beyond immediate selection or role. He regards the tournament as an unparalleled opportunity for personal development, where pressure is constant, but the potential for growth is significant.

“In terms of the IPL, I believe it’s the premier tournament in the world. You always want to be part of that. The learning curve is immense. Even with my experience, I continuously strive to learn and improve. This is undoubtedly the best environment for that. It's a platform to test your skills in the most high-pressure scenarios. It’s a combination of all those factors,” he concluded.