Won’t change my action though variation is a necessity: Rasool

     New Delhi, Feb 27: Talented off-spinner and India contender Parvez Rasool is keen to add a few more variation in his armoury as an off-break bowler but would not like to tinker with his natural action while doing so.

Out-of-form India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin yesterday surprised one and all by bowling with a completely different action which didn’t yield him any greater result.

While Rasool refused discussion on Ashwin’s action, he did express his views about sticking to the basics.

“Variation is very important for a bowler. Although my focus will always be on sticking to the basics, I would like to add a few variations up my sleeve. But I would certainly not alter my action in any case. I would have great difficulty if I have to change my current action,” Rasool told reporters after Jammu and Kashmir’s lost their Vijay Hazare Trophy match to Delhi at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground.

A lot has changed for Rasool in just one season. From being a talented boy emerging from Jammu and Kashmir, he is a now serious contender for a place in the national side and is among the top three off-spinners in the country.

But Rasool says that he enjoys the pressures of captaincy and performing for his state.

“My only endeavour right now is to win as many games possible for my state side. I feel that whenever J&K wins, I should have my contribution in it,” Rasool said.

He has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 95 lakh after some intense bidding auction with Delhi Daredevils during IPL but Rasool was on a flight back home and couldn’t watch the proceedings.

“I was actually travelling back after the Irani Cup game, so I missed out on watching the auctions live on television. Obviously, with VVS Laxman (Mentor) around, I would certainly get a lot of tips regarding how to improve my batting. I can’t wait to begin my stint for Sunrisers. ”

His popularity has grown in leaps and bounds — a testimony to which was the number of autograph and photograph hunters jostling for his time, once the match ended.

Asked about his feelings on CM Omar Abdullah tweeting about his achievements, Rasool replied with a shy smile, “He (Abdullah) is fond of me. Being the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected in the national team is a huge achievement. I have his good wishes and blessings.” (PTI)