‘Wasn't desperate for an IPL contract’

In the days leading up to the IPL auction, the queries here in Bangladesh mostly revolved around one man -Mustafizur Rahman. The lanky 20-year-old left-arm seamer announced himself to the world by decimating India in the three-match ODI series here last June.

His reputation got a further boost after Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for Rs 1.4 crore on Saturday (February 6). The Bangladesh Cricket Board are careful about not overusing him. He wasn't allowed to play in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

Mustafizur is soft spoken, a man of few words. He had a quick chat with TOI on Sunday before he left for Chittagong to attend a camp with the national team prior to the Asia Cup T20 and World T20. Excerpts:

How does it feel to be a part of the IPL?

I wasn't really desperate for an IPL contract. Honestly, I didn't have too many expectations. But since I had done well against India, I thought there could be people who would be interested in me.

You will be the only Bangladesh player other than Shakib in the league this year.How big is this for you?

I understand that people in my country have big expectations from me. IPL will be a good exposure from me. I have learnt a few things in my first year of international cricket. It will be a good place to test my skills. It will be a good experience playing in front of Indian crowds now and with some of the best players in the world.

How have things changed for you after the first year in international cricket?

Certainly, life is a bit different now. Cricket-wise, I have worked on my fitness and strength and I am looking to increase my pace. I don't rely too much on swing. The variations that I have should be enough.

Mustafizur Rahman is delighted after picking up a wicket in the second game of the 3-match ODI series against India on June 21, 2015 at Mirpur in Dhaka. File Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Have you added any other variation to your armoury?

I haven't added any more variation. I am working on the ones I have. I practise the yorkers. (Lasith) Malinga bowls a slower yorker, maybe I can work on it a bit later. For now, the priority is to do well for my country in the Asia Cup T20 and the World T20.

You said you don't rely on swing. How will you bowl with the red ball in longer formats of the game?

Even with the red ball in Test cricket, I think I can do well with my cutters and other variations.

Who do you look up to as a fast bowler?

I like watching Mohammad Amir bowl. He is fascinating. I did speak to him about bowling when he came here to play in the Bangladesh Premier League but not much. There was very little time players had to interact between matches.