‘Sheesh Mahal call came as a surprise’

Kamran said that he could play just three matches in the IPL this year due to back pain during the tournament but now he has recovered and was concentrating on his form and his immediate aim now is to secure a berth in the UP Ranji team. “ I am trying very hard so that I am able to get a place in the UP Ranji team. I feel that Ranji Trophy is just the right platform if one intends to make make it to Team India. I want to represent my country some day. I see a good opportunity through Sheesh Mahal to prove my worth and impress the UP Ranji selectors.”

“I am really desirous to represent UP in the Ranji Trophy and my performances in Sheesh Mahal can help me in attaining that,” he again reiterates.

The desperation in Kamran for representing the UP team is worth admiration because although he tried hard in UP but he was never selected in any junior level team of UP. When his talent was recognised by a cricket coach Naushad Khan a few years ago,he took him along to Mumbai for training and there his talent was spotted by a Rajasthan Royals team’s official during a twenty20 tourney.

Kamran was full of praise for the Rajasthan Royals team management and the support given by it at crucial moments,be it when he suffered from knee injury or when he was reported for ‘suspect bowling action’ during IPL II. “I have learnt a lot from our Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne. He not only encourages the junior players but also gives important tips to us,” he adds. On Monday,though his team Sahara India had to face a 35-run defeat at the hands of UPCA in its opening encounter,however,Kamran performed reasonably well because though he took just one wicket,it was the important wicket of promising UP batsman Shivakant Shukla (16 runs). It was also UP’s first wicket to fall.