I have always tried to give my best: Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman has run out of the blocks and become a household name for everybody associated with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a recent interview, the shy and unassuming individual opened up about his philosophy on fast bowling. Strange characteristics for someone who terrorizes batsmen with his raw pace one might get the feeling.

In an exclusive interview with xtratime, Mustafizur said, “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 young star also added that bowling as quickly as he did was a talent not many possessed while crediting Mashrafe Mortaza and Anamul Haq Bijoy for where he is today.

“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.”

Commenting on his SRH nickname, a jovial Mustafizur added that he earned the nickname because he is the youngest member on the side. ‘FIZ’ as he is commonly known, stated that former cricketers VVS Laxman and Muralitharan were part of the reason he was performing as well as he did.

“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.”

Mustafizur Rahman also added that he was indebted to Shakib-Al-Hasan for introducing him to former Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram. He also mentioned that Mohammad Amir was his role model.

“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 outswing. He also suggested me how to keep the wrist position while bowling the in swing and out swing.”

Finally, speaking on the ‘Shovegate’ incident with MS Dhoni, Mustafizur added that he would like to apologize MS Dhoni for the same.

“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.”