Parnell keen to make impact against Mumbai

South African seamer Wayne Parnell considers himself to be the best, at least in the Pune Warriors IPL team, in the business of bowling at the death. He would have preferred to handle the new ball, though.

The former Delhi Daredevils pacer fancies the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar and thinks highly of Yuvraj Singh's captaincy.

MiD DAY caught up with Parnell on the eve of Warriors' Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.

Excerpts:

Both MI and PW are coming out of a loss. How do you look at the contest?

Mumbai are playing really well. They have been consistent and we are a new team, still finding the right combination. We need to treat this as any other game and just do what we have been practicing in the nets.

What are the team's chances?

We won't be pushovers. We have done well as a new team. We have shown that we can play good, competitive cricket. We have the capability to win games. It will not be easy because we are not playing at home, but we are up for the challenge.

You have taken a few big wickets in your career, but not that of Sachin Tendulkar yet...

I do fancy his wicket. I take pride in taking the wickets of Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag as well. So, even if it is playing for Pune Warriors, I am eager to add the Little Master's name to that list.

How is Yuvraj Singh different from Graeme Smith as a skipper?

Graeme has more experience in captaincy than Yuvraj. From the experience point of view, I would rate Graeme above Yuvraj. I have played under many skippers and they have all been different.

Yuvraj is better in his own way and so is Graeme. The thing that I like about Yuvraj, which is pretty similar to Graeme, is that he gives you the freedom to set your own field because at the end of the day, you know what you are going to bowl. He backs you 100 per cent and also discusses his ideas with you.

You play for a 'Warriors' team back home in South Africa as well...

It is quite strange. Back home, I play for Chevrolet Warriors and then I got picked up by Pune Warriors. It is nice to be a Warrior through and through.

Your 3-35 against Kochi Tuskers, your best figures in the IPL, must have been a big boost for you...
I have done well, especially when the team required me to do so. Getting to play in itself was a big opportunity because I was on the sidelines during the World Cup. But it has helped me adjust to the conditions in the IPL. Obviously, it is pleasing to do well for Pune Warriors. That's the priority now. I am glad to contribute to the team.

How would you define your role in T20 cricket?

When I started playing in South Africa, I used to open the bowling. That's where my strength lies. But I will do whatever needed from me for Pune Warriors. I see myself as a better death overs bowler than the rest in the team. I know I may sound a bit arrogant, but I do pride myself for that. I practice that in the nets every time.