I’m trying my own thing
He was dropped from the Bangladesh Test side and was under some pressure when he went to take part in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals. But Mustafizur Rahman proved to be the main weapon for his side, picking up eight wickets in seven games and impressing with his variations. The Daily Star’s Bishwajit Roy caught up with the paceman, who opened up a bit to discuss various issues. The excerpts of the interview are as follows:
The Daily Star (DS): You must have been worried over the process of return when the IPL got suspended?
Mustafizur Rahman (MR): Obviously there was a bit of concern considering the rules and regulations from the government and about how we would return and whether the government would allow us to return or not. I would like to thank all the authorities of our government to allow us to return home safely.
DS: Were you in touch with Shakib Al Hasan?
MR: I was in constant touch with Shakib Bhai. The BCB gave us NOC till May 18. Since we were in a bio-bubble, our plan was to return and quarantine for a few days ahead of the Sri Lanka series.
DS: How do you evaluate your performance in the IPL this season?
MR: Overall my performance was good. I am not unhappy, I am happy.
DS: The commentators were all praise of your back-of-the-hand delivery and even termed you as a left-arm Muttiah Muralitharan. Your take on that?
MR: I have been working on this delivery for quite some time, but I didn't have total control. The type of wickets there was very easy to score over 200 runs, so it was tough to bowl there. So I kept everything in mind and practised accordingly and realised that the delivery was going well. I have to practise that delivery a lot more in training and I am working on it.
DS: You didn't bowl many yorkers since your shoulder surgery. Was there any fear behind it?
MR: To be honest there was some fear at one point but things are getting better now. As we all know Lasith Malinga bowls the best in yorkers in world cricket. At the moment things are going well for me but it depends on the rhythm too.
DS: Is it also about having a good bowling partner that can help a bowler become better?
MR: It is pretty much similar to batting. If a bowler bowls well from one end, the other bowler also wants to give his best from the other end.
DS: Your thoughts on return to Tests? How do you see Taskin's return to Test cricket?
MR: I have always said that I want to play in all three formats as there is no end to learning. I am working on my swing. When you play Test cricket, you get enough time to work on your skills whether its swing or bowling a specific line and length. I won't get that opportunity in ODIs or T20s.
Taskin bhai worked really hard during the lockdown. He looked in very good rhythm and I want him to continue like this. This will surely inspire me as well.
DS: Your plans for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka?
MR: I am in a very good rhythm but if I have to stay in quarantine for a long period, there will be some problem. No matter how much I work inside my room, it's totally different working outdoors. I rely on my rhythm for my bowling. However the rules and regulations by the government are also for the betterment of all. So I am not sure whether I will have the same rhythm after a long gap.
DS: Is there any role model that you follow?
MR: Previously I used to follow one player. But at the moment I don't follow anyone and try my own thing. Now I focus on how I can develop so that people can follow me.