Lokesh has been working in food delivery since 2018. He was selected as one of the 4 net bowlers by the Netherlands team on Tuesday. He had advertised for this role on social media. Lokesh, a left-arm fast-turned-Chinaman bowler, was selected by the Netherlands management after evaluating around 10,000 bowlers from India who applied by uploading videos on a mobile application. Lokesh joined the Dutch camp on Wednesday.
Lokesh said about it – This is the most precious moment in my career. I have not yet played in the TNCA Third Division League. He said – I played in the fifth division for four years and I have registered for the fourth division team Indian Oil (RO) S&RC for the current season. After being selected as a net bowler for the Netherlands, I feel that my skills have finally been recognised.
Regarding the behavior of the team, he said – The members of the Netherlands team welcomed me with open arms. It was a great opportunity for the net bowlers before the start of the season. The players told us, stay calm, this is your team. I already feel like I am part of the Dutch family. Continuing, he said, “After seeing the ad, I was excited for it. I thought I was superior to others because there are not many Chinaman bowlers in the country. The Netherlands were looking for a mystery spinner and I ticked that box.
He said that working as a food delivery executive is indirectly helping him develop as a cricketer. He said – After my college days, my focus was on cricket. I spent four years in cricket. In 2018 I decided to get a job. I have been with Swiggy for the past four years. I earn only food delivery money. I have no other source of income. Working hours are flexible and I can take holidays whenever I want.