Everyday with Virat is a learning experience: Parvez Rasool

Jammu and Kashmir and Indian off-spin bowling allrounder Parvez Rasool was today recalled to represent India in the 3 T20I series against England when the selectors took the decision to rest the two premier spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja with the upcoming Tests against Bangladesh and Australia in mind, where they will have a huge role to play.

The 27-year-old was pleasantly surprised at the “sudden call” but he will be slightly disappointed as his wish is to find a place for himself in the Indian dressing room when Ravi Ashwin is around, “I had no clue that Ashwin has been rested for the series. Actually, when I got a call from the BCCI office, I thought this will be a first chance for me to share the dressing room with Ashwin. Seven days with a player of his calibre means I can learn a lot,”

Rasool became the first player ever from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India when he made his debut against Bangladesh in 2014 and picked up 2 wickets for 60 runs. He is the lead allrounder for the J&K team, with a first-class batting average of 37 while scoring 3343 runs and bowling average of 34 while picking up 156 wickets.

Rasool thinks that his 3/38 for India A against England in the warm-up game also helped him get a call-up. “It is very essential to perform consistently throughout the season but I believe there are certain matches where the selectors are keenly watching you. If you can perform there, your case becomes stronger. Two of my three wickets were Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. Once you are getting wickets against an international side, you know can belong to this level,” said Rasool.

Also Watch: Umpire Kumar Dharmasena misses an edge and Virat Kohli has a laugh

He also spoke admirably of his current RCB and India captain Virat Kohli.”I don’t need to elaborate on Virat’s dedication. But the lasting memory that has stayed with me is his innings against KKR after getting stitches in his hand. He was in pain but he didn’t even flinch one bit. I saw him and felt that that’s what a world-class cricketer means. Everyday with Virat is a learning experience,”

Taking cue from his captain’s remarkable fitness and commitment, Rasool also tried to cut down on his favourite Kashmiri delicacies. “I am trying but it is very difficult to sacrifice your love for food and especially when the world knows how delicious Kashmiri cuisine is. But I am trying to cut down and obviously, you have Virat as an example.”