J&K spinner Parvez Rassol pins hopes on IPL, wishes to play for India

His confidence boosted by the impressive bowling show against Australia in the first warm-up game on Tuesday, young Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Parvez Rassol believes that he can do well at the big stage, including at the IPL, and eventually play for the country.

"Firstly thanks to Allah and the 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.

"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 Rassol, who recently became first cricketer from the Kashmir Valley 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 dismissal.

"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."

Rassol also gave credit to former India captain and left-arm spinner Bishen Singh Bedi for the success so far in his fledgling 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, Rassol appeared for India A in a practice match against visiting England XI, completing a full circle for the youngster who was detained by Bangalore police 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.