‘Temperament is his best quality'

His grooming is steeped in tradition and he just follows his coach's guidance at this crucial stage of his cricketing career.

The left-hander is a key batsman in Rajasthan Royals' scheme of things and his knock against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday has gone a long way in convincing the 21-year-old that he is on the right track.

Rajasthan has had a history of producing some exceptional players of spin.

Hanumant Singh and Parthasarthi Sharma were batsmen rated high by old-timers who aver their footwork was the most gifted. Menaria has a legacy to look up to. Only, he also knows his limitations very well.

His coach, Manoj Chaudhary, has worked hard, making Menaria remember the importance of keeping his head down. “Stardom is not the key to success in cricket. You make a hundred in the first innings and nothing in the second. It always helps to stay humble and concentrate on learning a lesson every day,” says Chaudhary of his attitude towards training the young cricketers.

Perfect platform

For Menaria, also a left-arm spinner who is yet to realise his bowling potential, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just the platform to express his talent.

“It has been a fine learning process,” said Menaria.

Menaria loves to strike the ball. The T20 format encourages such a style. But his normal game is not to loft and heave. He is good at grinding the bowlers even though an IPL contest does not allow him the freedom to take time to settle down.

It helps Menaria that he is comfortable playing the ball on either side of the wicket.

The 230 against Railways was a landmark performance last season and showed the patient side of his batting. “His temperament is his best quality,” says Chaudhary. Menaria too agrees. “One has to be patient. You can't hit every ball.”