Dream come true for me: Prayas

Kolkata, Dec 19 - Bengal's 16-year-old legspinner Prayas Ray Barman, who was picked for Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 1.5 crore at the Indian Premier League auctions Tuesday, said it's like a dream come true for him.

"I can't believe my eyes... I'm getting a flood of calls, congratulatory messages are pouring in. I never expected that I will be picked," said Prayas, who was Bengal's top wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic one-dayers.

Prayas said he's looking forward to meeting his childhood hero Virat Kohli.

"I always dreamt to click a photo with Kohli. I've tried a lot but it never happened. Now I would be sharing the dressing room with him! It's unbelievable."

Six-ft-one-inch tall Prayas loves to be quick in the air and accurate with his line, as many compare him with the great Anil Kumble.

"I was not tall but grew immensely in the last two years. And people are comparing me with Kumble-sir."

Prayas had an impressive debut against Jammu and Kashmir, bagging 4/20 as he ended up with picking 11 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 4.45.

But despite the brilliant effort, he failed to make the cut to the Bengal Ranji side.

"Ranji Trophy is a different format altogether. I think I've to go a long way to play Ranji."

He further thanked his father Dr Kaushik Ray Barman for his unrelenting support.

"He never went after me to pursue studies. My sister is an IT professional but I chose cricket. He gave me full freedom to pursue cricket. Now I'm excited to shift to Bangalore where my sister works."

IANS