His confidence boosted by the impressive bowling show against Australia in the first warm-up game in Chennai on Tuesday, young Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Parveez Rasool believes that he can do well at the big stage, including at the Indian Premier League (IPL), and eventually play for the country.
"Firstly thanks to Allah and the selectors who have given me this opportunity. It's a great achievement for me to do so well against a team like Australia so by God’s grace if I get more chances, I'll look to do my best," he said after his effort of seven for 45 which led to Australia being bowled out for just 241.
- Rasool takes seven to dismiss Australia for 241
"I haven't signed for an IPL team yet but hopefully if that happens I can do well and maybe play for India too," said 23-year-old Rasool, who recently became first cricketer from the KashmirValley to be picked for India 'A' team for a warm-up game against England.
He expressed satisfaction at being able to deceive Australian Test players Matthew Wade and Steven Smith leading to their dismissals.
"Flight is my strength. The dismissals of Smith and Wade brought me a lot of happiness as I was able to deceive them in the flight," he said.
He did not forget to praise his coach of his formative years and said, "I'm from Brijbehara in the Anantnag district of Kashmir and my coach there was Abdul Qayyum who has played a good level of cricket and I learnt the game from him before I played junior cricket or my state."
"I played junior cricket at all levels. My father and brother have played cricket. My brother Asif has played Ranji trophy too," he said when asked about his background.
Asked if he has become a role model for youngsters in Anantnag, he said, "Definitely, I'll work hard and do my best."
Rasool also gave credit to former India captain and left-arm spinner Bishen Singh Bedi for the success so far in his fledging career.
"I have to credit him for all the success I have achieved as a bowler. He always advised me to not be afraid of tossing the ball up to look for wickets. He has helped me a lot in using the flight of the ball as my weapon," he said.
"He told me not to worry about experimenting with a doosra. (Jab pehla accha daalte ho to doosre ki zaroorat kyon)."
Last month, Rasool appeared for India A in a practice match against visiting England XI, completing a full circle for the youngster who was detained by the police in Bangalore for questioning in 2009 in connection with suspected presence of explosives at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He was given a clean chit a few days later.
