When Piyush Chawla left for Sussex for a one-month stint,there were a few doubts in his mind about his county circuit debut. Not sure if the English conditions would help his bowling,he had the extra burden of filling the huge void left by Mushtaq Ahmed,the Pakistan world champion leggie who retired last year after his 600-plus wickets qualified him to be called a Sussex legend. But after just a couple of four-day games where he took 19 wickets and scored a century,there were many at the countys home ground at Hove who wished that Chawlas contract would be extended. The Indian star was roped in as Sussexs overseas player since their regular recruit Yasir Arafat was on national duty. Chawla is set to fly back home since the Pakistan all-rounder is back in Sussex after he failed to find a place in Pakistans Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. Actually,Yasir is sharing a room with me and is helping me pack my bags, Chawla told The Indian Express. Chances are that the leggie might return to England but that depends on the Pakistan selectors,who are expected to consider Arafat for the one-dayers. Courtesy his association with the Indian national team,Chawla isnt new to fan following. But despite that,the 20-year-old seems surprised by the connect he made with the Sussex fans in a couple of games. Being an Indian cricketer,you come across fanatical supporters all the time,but still,the way I was treated by those in the stands at Sussex,it was really astonishing, says Chawla. Instant hit He speaks about a song they have composed for him and the heaps of miss you letters he has been receiving. Actually,I didnt quite understand the song they sing but my team mates told me that I have become an instant hit. All I understood was the start that goes Magic Piyush,Magic Piyush. I have been forwarded letters asking me to stay back. Thats the reason I would love to come back whenever I get a chance, he says. The biggest compliment for Chawla came during his game. As he started the county stint with six-wickets in an innings,the Sussex fans couldnt believe their luck. Mushtaq wasnt just replaced a similar looking short leggie but the new recruit also seemed to have a knack of taking a bagful wickets. After that game I heard the fans calling me Pushy. Soon I realised that since Mushtaq was called Mushy,I was being called a similar sounding name, says Chawla as he watches his county battle with the Aussies as part of their Ashes warm-up. Since playing the game wasnt part of Chawlas contract,he is enjoying his last few days in England. I get invited by fans to their homes and I have been told by several fans I could be the next Mushy for them, says the leg-spinner. Chawla,though,has a deep regret about his England trip. I was looking forward to meeting Mushtaq but that didnt happen. Lets see how things shape in the future. Maybe,next time, he hopes.
