PANAJI
With a high-arm action, flat trajectory, and relying on extracting bounce off the wicket for results gave prominence to former India international and legbreak googly bowler, Rahul Sharma.
Currently in Goa for the ongoing World Legends Pro T20 League to represent his franchise, Maharashtra Tycoons in its inaugural season at 1919 Sportz Cricket stadium, Verna, the genial slow bowler spoke to The Goan on Friday.
“It is a lot of fun when all legends come together at one place to play. The old memories come alive. You enjoy the opportunity to play proper cricket again,” revealed the tall leggie from Jalandhar after his match against Delhi Warriors.
Speaking on getting his act together to stay relevant with his skill-sets in the League, the 39-year-old confessed that it is a challenge. “Frankly speaking, it is not easy. I am doing broadcasting, commentary as well. In between, you have to take time for leagues as this. Obviously, I cannot practice as I could earlier. But I do practice as much that is required to play and perform on the ground. Twenty20 is such a fast game. It is not easy to develop into a rhythm. When you play more matches, it gets more fun,” admitted the slow bowler.
“For me, bowling against the international players is something I always look forward to. It is fun playing against the domestic cricketers too. In my team itself there is the Universe Boss (Chris Gayle), who I have enjoyed playing against earlier and getting him out as well. The challenge sometimes is fun. This time though he is in my team, so I am very excited,” remarked the well-known Legends Leagues’ leggie.
A cricketer never retires and the learning never stops is what Rahul Sharma firmly believes in. “I have always admired the work ethic of the likes of Chris Gayle and Dale Steyn. I follow them, and especially Steyn, Alastair Cook who has been the captain of England. I get to learn a lot on how they carry themselves, how they train in the mornings. To remain disciplined for me is very important,” revealed Rahul.
To bowl legbreaks is a difficult art to master and to be match ready for WLPT20 League, Rahul Sharma had to put in the yards. “I was doing Ranji commentary, but to prepare for this tournament I have put in the efforts with 7-8 sessions of training. This was necessary to ensure the body gels up to the extent to play, and not to stay in shock. As it were, leg-spin is a difficult art, and as I continue to play matches, the rhythm will come through,” disclosed Rahul.
While here to compete with and against the world’s best from the past in WLPT20 League, Rahul also looks forward in spending qualitative time with his wife and young daughter to what the Goan hospitality has to offer.
