IPL 2013: Jacques Kallis' wicket a special one, says Pune Warriors' Parvez Rasool
The Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder credits Yuvraj Singh for helping him have a wonderful debut against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Indian Premier League on Thursday.
All-rounder Parvez Rasool on Thursday became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the Indian Premier League when he stepped out in Pune Warriors' colours against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune.
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The right-arm off-break bowler made an impressive debut where he bagged the wicket of one of the greatest all-rounders of the game, Jacques Kallis, in an economical 4-over spell.
"Jacques Kallis is definitely a legend, the best all-rounder in cricket. So, it felt really good to get his wicket. Kallis' wicket was something truly special for me.
"After that, I also got a caught behind shout, but unfortunately my appeal was turned down by the umpire. But that happens sometimes," Rasool told IPLT20.com in an interview.
Even though Pune lost by 46 runs, the 24-year-old said Thursday was the proudest day of his life.
"I feel really great today. First of all, thanks to Almighty Allah, I have made it this far. It felt really nice to get an opportunity in the IPL and be able to perform at this level," said Rasool.
Playing on a big stage for the first time, Rasool admitted he was nervous. The bowler revealed it was Yuvraj Singh's tips that helped him bowl a tight line and finish with 1/23.
"The first couple of balls I was nervous. Then Yuvi Paaji (Yuvraj Singh) came over to me and helped me settle down," he said.
He also dedicated his IPL debut to his fans back in Jammu and Kashmir and also across the country.
"Yes, this is the proudest day of my life. And the whole of Jammu and Kashmir was watching today's match and I am proud of that.
"I would like to dedicate my debut performance to the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir and all the well-wishers all around India," he added.
Rasool made his first-class debut against Himachal Pradesh in 2008, where he went wicketless. He came into prominance when he bagged seven Australian wickets in a warm-up ahead of India-Australia Test series in February.