How would you describe the past one year, in which your life has changed dramatically?
God has been kind to me. I bowled with very good rhythm throughout the Ranji season and became a leading run scorer (594 runs) and a wicket-taker (33 wickets) for Jammu & Kashmir. I got a chance to bowl for the Indian team during the net sessions before a couple of ODI games. I also took seven wickets against Australia, playing for Board President XI which helped me take seven wickets against Australia.

Kashmiri off-spinner Parvez Rasool during the Pune Warriors India practice match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association. Pic/ Suresh KK

How did it all begin for you as a cricketer?
My father (Ghulam Rasool) was a good cricketer. He encouraged my brother and me to play cricket. My childhood coach, Abdul Qayuum, who played for North Zone in Duleep and Deodhar Trophy, was my role model. It was because of him that I started playing cricket and enrolled in his club when I was in the sixth grade.