Exclusive: I want to say ‘Sorry’ to Dhoni: Mustafizur

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Mustafizur Rahman has been impressive so far in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Image Source: @BCCI

Kolkata: Bangladesh bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman has been a revelation playing in his first IPL. The 20 year old medium pacer from Satkhira bowled one of the most economical spells in the history of IPL against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday. He bowled 17 dot balls in his four overs and took 2 wickets giving away just 9 runs. Fiz (called by his teammates in Sunrisers Hyderabad) has so far conceded just 115 runs in his 20 overs, picking up seven wickets. It was his magical spell against Punjab that gave Sunrisers a hat-trick of wins. The shy, soft spoken Bangladeshi medium pacer gave an exclusive interview to xtratime.in correspondent Sabyasachi Bagchi from Hyderabad.

Mustafizur, you have so far claimed 7 wickets from 5 matches, including a MOM against Kings XI Punjab. But the impressive thing about your bowling is the economy rate as the batsmen are finding it difficult to hit you. What has been the secret of success?

I have tried to give my best. My philosophy is that a batsman has to start from zero whatever the format is. So I have always kept that in mind and try to get through their defense early on in their innings.

The cricket world is talking about your deadly off cutters. Even power hitters like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are finding it difficult to negotiate them. How did you master it?

This is my natural talent. No one has taught me personally to bowl off cutters. During 2013-14 season I got an opportunity to bowl in the nets during the national camp in Mirpur. Both Anamul Haq Bijoy and Moshraffe Bhai was watching me bowl closely as the nets. Later they both suggested me that I should work on mastering this ball.

You have already become a favorite among your teammates in SRH. They have given a special name to you as well. How has the experience been so far?

Yes they call me ‘FIZ’ in the team. I am also the youngest member of the team.I am enjoying my stint here in SRH. My teammates have been fantastic so far. I have become a good friend of David Warner. Barinder Saran and I enjoy the greatest friendships. Both VVS Laxman and Muralitharan has been guiding me like an elder brother. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

How are you coping with the language problem in the dressing room?

That’s been a real problem so far for me. It will take some time as I do not understand Hindi and English. My teammates also do not know Bengali. So every time I am having an off time from practice and matches I am in front of the Google translator.

Take us to your early days when you started playing cricket?

I grew up in Satkhira which is very close to the Petrapol border. I was the youngest among the four brothers and two sisters. I was not good at cricket from my childhood days. So my father took me to Dhaka to take part in a few U’17 matches against a state team. After a string of impressive performances I was selected for the BCB pace foundation by Anamul Haq Bijoy in 2012.

Who has been your role model and why?

Well, I look at Mohammad Amir as my role model. By the time I started playing serious cricket he has already made a sensational entry into international cricket. What I like about him is his confidence whenever he has the ball with him. I recently had an opportunity to interact with him during the Pakistan Super League and Asia Cup held at home.

When you talk about left arm fast bowlers in the sub-continent one name that comes automatically is Wasim Akram. Did you ever had an opportunity to interact with him?

I would like to thank Shakib Bhai (Shakib al Hasan) for getting me an opportunity to meet him. On April 16,on the eve of our match against Kolkata Knight Riders, he took me to Wasim Sir . He is such a down to earth man. He gave me tips about bowling out swing. He also suggested me how to keep the wrist position while bowling the in swing and out swing.

You had a decent outing in your first match at Eden Gardens against New Zealand during the ICC World T20. How was that experience and you will return to the same venue in May to play against Knight Riders.

It will be very nostalgic to be playing at the Eden Gardens again. I had a decent performance the last time I played a game there picking 22/5 against New Zealand. I am quite excited really to be playing in front of a full house. But I have to keep myself fit till that time comes.

Bangladesh did not perform well in the recently concluded World T20. What has been the main reason?

I would say we had some misfortune going into the tournament. Firstly I got an injury. Also the unavailability of Arafat Sunny and Taskin Ahmed did play a part as well. We played well in the group stages but the rub of the green went against us.

Mustafizur, your success against India in recent times have been phenomenal. But the reactions from Bangladesh fans in social networking sites has been uncalled for. What are your thoughts?

Yes, so far it’s been good. But I am not someone who loves to look back. And talking about our fans back home, they (Bangladesh fans) are passionate about cricket. They worship us as heroes back home and are lovable.

Lastly can you take us back to that ‘shove gate’ controversy involving you and Dhoni?

Well, I still maintain that I have not done it intentionally. But as things stand I have moved on leaving it behind me. But still I would like to say sorry to Dhoni for the incident when I meet him.