Parvez Rasool has played only two international matches for India — a One-Day International, in 2014, and a Twenty20 International, in 2017. Yet, his path has been a remarkable journey. He broke down barriers at every step of his career to become the first player from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to play for the country.
After having been in the spotlight for his exploits and after a couple of profitable seasons with the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rasool’s career hit a roadblock, especially after going unsold in the last edition of the IPL. The all-rounder, however, has not stayed low despite the IPL snub, using the time to play List A cricket in Bangladesh which he feels has helped him grow as a cricketer. “I have learned a lot playing in Bangladesh. You get to bowl against quality batsmen and improve your game,” said Rasool.
He added, “My bowling has definitely improved. They take me as a professional so you have to bowl whenever the team is in trouble. I bowl in the first five overs with the new ball and at the death, too, so you get good experience.”
‘Disappointing’ to miss IPL
Playing in the Duleep Trophy here, Rasool finished with match figures of seven for 166, including a four-wicket haul in the first innings as he aims to script a comeback. Speaking after the third day’s play, Rasool said, “In the last two years, I took 70-odd wickets and scored 1,150 runs in 13 games. I also won the Lala Amarnath award (best all-rounder in Ranji Trophy) in 2016-17. So it is disappointing to miss out on IPL.”
It hasn’t helped that his team has been in the lower rung in domestic cricket. In 2014, J&K stunned domestic giant Mumbai in Mumbai but has since failed to build on that momentum. The State Association was also engulfed in a corruption scandal before the Committee of Administrators stepped in.
‘Good atmosphere for cricket’
Rasool feels the lack of preparations has hurt the team and hopes this year will be better, especially with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan joining as mentor-cum-player. “For the first time in our history some work is happening and we are actually preparing for a season. I thought when I played for India, some good things will happen. The facilities will improve. But nothing happened, unfortunately. Last year, we reached Jaipur at 11.30 in the night before our first game the following day,” he said.
“In the last six months, we had a district tournament for the first time and there were selections in the districts. Irfan Pathan has been there with us since then and there is a good atmosphere for cricket now,” he added.
Rasool hopes the upcoming season could herald good times both for his side and himself.
Courtesy: https://www.sportstarlive.com/cricket/domestic/rasool-bangladesh-experience-helped-me-learn-a-lot/article24785670.ece
