J&K all-rounder is over moon after claiming Jacques Kallis' wicket on IPL debut
Having made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors all-rounder Parvez Rasool is already eyeing a berth in the Indian national squad.
New kid on the block: Parvez Rasool during a practice session in Pune recently. Pic/Suresh KK.
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Rasool on Thursday became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the cash-rich league, bowling four overs for 23 runs and taking Jacques Kallis’ wicket.
“Now my goal is to ensure I play well in every match I get to play. I want to do well for the team and for myself. I hope I play well enough to play for India some day,” Rasool told www.iplt20.com.
The all-rounder said his debut was the “proudest day” of his life even though the team ended up on the losing side.u00a0“Yes, this is the proudest day of my life. And the whole of Jammu and Kashmir was watching today’s match and I am proud of that. I would like to dedicate my debut performance to the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir and well-wishers all around India,” he said.
“I feel really great today. First of all, thanks to almighty Allah, I have made it this far. It felt really nice to get an opportunity in the IPL and be able to perform at this level.”
Speaking about taking Kallis’ wicket, he said: “Jacques Kallis is definitely a legend; the best all-rounder in cricket. So, it felt really good to get his wicket. After that, I also got a caught behind shout, but unfortunately my appeal was turned down by the umpire. But that happens sometimes. However, Kallis’ wicket was something truly special for me.
Rasool said he was nervous initially but was given some key tips by former Pune captain Yuvraj Singh, which helped him settle down. “The first couple of balls I was nervous. Then Yuvi Paaji (Yuvraj Singh) came over to me and helped me settle down,” he said.
Rasool, who is capable of contributing with the bat, though considers himself a bowling all-rounder. “Currently, I consider myself a bowling all-rounder. But when I started out, I was a batting all-rounder.
“However, I bat well too. But it depends on the chances I get to bat. I did get to face a few balls and it felt good to be out there in the middle. I will surely rise up to the batting challenge as well when I get a chance,” he said.
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