Bowler-turned-wicketkeeper Manvinder Bisla has come a long way

Manvinder Bisla, who is in the limelight for his exploits in the IPL final, has come a long way since representing India as a bowler in the Under-19 World Cup in 2002.

Bisla started as a bowler but destiny had other plans for him as he later transformed into a wicketkeeper-batsman for Haryana, where he played his entire junior cricket, before shifting base to Himachal Pradesh.

The little-known cricketer, who has been hopping teams in the IPL, smashed a 48-ball 89 to help Kolkata Knight Riders lift its maiden IPL title by beating defending champions Chennai Super Kings last night.

"He has done very well. We are happy for him. Bisla has created an opportunity for himself and we wish and hope he goes from strength to strength," Haryana Cricket Association's secretary Anirudh Chaudhry told PTI.

Though Bisla may have moved on to play for Himachal, but Chaudhury said, "for somebody who has his roots in Haryana, we feel proud about his achievement."

Chaudhry also credited KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir for having shown great faith in Bisla.

"Hats off to Gambhir for having backed a young player like Bisla and for showing confidence in him," he said.

Chaudhry said that till the time Bisla was in Haryana, he had followed his career very closely.