The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to begin as Mumbai Indians face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. As the IPL starts under the shadow of the coronavirus, players have been asked to follow the strict COVID-19 protocols and never leave their bio-bubble.

Australian cricketer Jhye Richardson, who was acquired by the Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs 14 crore, plans to deal with the pressure with a smile. He added that the key to his game is to just go out and have fun. 

The 24-year-old has played two Tests, 13 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Australia. Along with pace spearhead Mohammad Shami, Richardson is expected to put an end to the team’s death bowling woes this season.

“The key to my game is to just go out and have fun. It’s easier said than done, because you’re bowing to the best batsman in the world but for me if I can just stand at the top of my mark, and smile, that is a big one for me,” news agency PTI quoted Richardson as saying.

“I actually started doing that (smile) during the Big Bash at the top of my mark, just to put a smile on the top there just to remind myself every bowl that T20 is fun.”

Back to playing regularly after undergoing shoulder surgery last year, Richardson said at times he put too much pressure on himself if he has a bad over or something like that.

Richardson has replaced West Indian Sheldon Cottrell in the Punjab Kings squad. 

Talking about the pressure of the price tag and coach Anil Kumble, Richardson said: “I started putting pressure on myself (thinking about the price tag). But, I had a good conversation with Anil yesterday, and he said, you know, ‘we didn’t pick you up for the price tag we just picked you up for your services and what you do on the cricket field’.

“For me that was really important to hear, to know that the coach has picked me up for a reason and knows what I’m capable of,” the Australian pacer added.

Punjab Kings will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 12.