I was not ready for ODIs: Shoaib

Despite his worthy performance in the three one-day matches against India in the on-going series, comeback man Shoaib Akhtar said he was not in the perfect shape to take on the arch-rivals in the on-going cricket series.

Shoaib, who served 13-match ban before returning to the grinds of international cricket, is not bowling as quick as he bowled in his early days and insisted he needed to play more matches to be in perfect shape for the series.

"I wasn't ready for the ODIs. I wanted to play three-four games before playing in the series," Shoaib on Wednesday. He had returned with the fifth and final ODI against South Africa at home.

"I also needed to train more in the gym and get into the shape before the series," said the bowler, who so far has picked six wickets in the series.

The 32-year-old speedster said although his pace had reduced he was bowling more sensibly than ever.

"Bowling quick is thrilling and its very enjoyable. I am still bowling quick but I'm a bit more sensible now and also bowl dot balls in an over," he said during an interaction with the students of Scindia school in Gwalior on the Chirdren's day.

Shoaib admitted that it was frustrating to get hit by a batsman despite bowling fast.

"Yes, it is frustrating when you are bowling at the peak speed and you get hit by (Virender) Sehwag for a boundary through slips," he said.

He was out of the international fold due to injuries and doping controversy, prior to the ban slapped on him for breaching code of conduct.

Asked who was the most "dazzling" batsman in the Indian line-up, Shoaib said it was but obviously Sachin Tendulkar.

"It's not a surprise to guess the name, he is Sachin Tendulkar. He is the greatest Indian batsman. He can be very destructive on his day. I am honoured to play with the likes of Tendulkar, Wasim Akram and other great player of the era.

"But my personal favourite is Adam Gilchrist. I am also a fan of (former West Indian captain) Brian Lara."

Shoaib said he was always keen meet the children make them known that he was as human as anyone and advise them not to have ill opinion about Pakistan and his countrymen.

"They are the future so I want to meet them and tell them that there is no difference between the people of two countries and there should be as much interaction as possible.

"I also want to tell them that I am as human as anyone else," he said.

On the news featuring him in tabloids, Shoaib said he did not read newspapers.

"I don't look at the newspapers but that's the price you have to pay for being famous, specially in India it is not easy to go out.

"Even when I go to bowl I don't look at the crowds, I also don't look at Sachin when I bowl to him," he said.

Photographs: Getty Images | Text: PTI