IPL has been a great learning experience: Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman is currently rated as the best left-arm seamer in the limited overs format. After bursting into the scene with back to back five-wicket hauls against India, Rahman’s surge in international cricket has been phenomenal. He was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ninth edition of IPL with a lot of expectations. He did not disappoint and did well on his debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2/26 at an economy of 6.50.

In an interview with mid-day, Mustafizur Rahman spoke at length about his early struggles, his future plans, his unique bowling skills & how he will spend his IPL earnings.

Rahman credits his family for his success. He says that it was his father who spotted the unique factor in the fast bowler and believed that the young Rahman was different from the rest in his age group.

“My family always stood by me like a pillar. I am what I am today because of their blessings, support and faith that they had in me. When my father saw me play, he saw what I had in me.

“He knew I was different from those in my age group. As a family, they never pressurized me to pursue academics.”

Mustafizur admits that he did not face any severe problem in his childhood and there was never any problem that created any hindered with his cricket. However, he says that the facilities were not up to the mark and he expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh Cricket Board and government for developing the quality of cricket in the country.

“When I was growing up, there was a shortage of training academies and there was also the issue of affordability. I am not a product of any academy. I started playing various district-level tournaments to keep my game up. I used to train in the fields and run in the hills to keep fit.”

“The facilities and infrastructure that we had back home in those days weren’t as great as compared to what it is here in India. I have seen it grow and evolve in the last 5-7 years and I am grateful that the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the government are doing a lot for cricket.”

Rahman announced his arrival to the world cricket when he single-handedly destroyed India with back to back five-wicket hauls.

“The two hauls were definitely instrumental in getting me a place in the team, but what really helps in earning the respect of teammates and management is consistent performance.”

One of the most intriguing parts of his bowling is his cutter. It has bamboozled the best batsmen in the world. When asked about his magic ball he said, “It comes naturally to me, There is no particular person who taught me about it. It is a result of mentoring by many notable coaches who have trained me right from my younger days in domestic, second-division leagues and now in the national team.”

Rahman was a hot name in the IPL player’s auction and was eventually bought for 1.4 crores by Sunrisers Hyderabad. He says that every day has been a learning experience for him.

“Practicing with the likes of Trent Boult, Ashish Nehra, etc. has been a great learning. All these guys are very open to sharing their experiences and are willing to help me as a bowler. I am surely taking back a lot of things from my first IPL season here.”

He signed off revealing his plans from his IPL earnings.

“I am looking forward to getting back home after the IPL. I want to buy myself a new motorbike and a car for the family.”

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