All-rounder Anuj Dal is relishing his opportunity in the first team and hopes he can continue performing well with the ultimate aim of staying with Derbyshire.
The 22-year-old trialled with the Second XI, under the guidance of Head of Development Mal Loye, before being given the chance to join up with the Vitality Blast squad.
He has so far made nine appearances for the Falcons in the game’s shortest form, with a top-score of 35 against Worcestershire Rapids at The 3aaa County Ground.
Keen to make his mark after arriving following his release from Nottinghamshire, Dal remains determined to score runs and take wickets, knowing if he continues to do so then he gives himself opportunities to progress.
He said: “It’s been really good and I’ve absolutely love the time I’ve been here so far.
“I was trialling with the lads at the start of the year and to have impressed and get a contract to get into the Twenty20 setup has given me a great chance.
“When I left Nottinghamshire at the end of last year, the staff there put in a good word for me and I have been lucky enough to put in some good performances in the Seconds which have offered my this opportunity in the senior team.
“I’ve felt at home ever since I came here. It’s nice to come to a smaller county in the sense that the opportunity for developing players is there. If you’re there or thereabouts, you know your chance will come in the season.
“I came with the mentality that if I could score runs and take wickets, then I could push my case even further.”
Having made his Vitality Blast debut in July, he now hopes to continue developing in the player-led environment at Derbyshire.
Dal added: “It was an absolute buzz. I couldn’t sleep for about two days afterwards, it was amazing. The lads all got around me, so it was brilliant to get that first game under my belt.
“Before the start of the season I was more of a red ball cricketer. In today’s game you have to be that all-round cricketer and I’m glad that this season I got chance to showcase more of my white ball skills.
“At my age you’re always developing and you’ve got different players around, so you try and take bits of information to help you develop your game even more.
“That’s obviously what you want as a player – a bit of security to hopefully develop your game a bit more and hopefully I’ve done what it takes to remain at the Club.”
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