Indian cricketer in focus:Parvez Rasool – From terror suspect to Team India

What has been said about him?

Bishan Singh Bedi, India legend and former J&K coach: “Rasool is one bowler who isn’t afraid to flight the ball, and he loves to attack.”

“The first time when I saw Parvez after taking over in 2011, I was stunned by his easy and side-ways action. And when I said that I have not seen anyone like you for a long time, he probably got a bit nervous. But his real journey started from the next season when he started to show his real worth. There was nothing that I could have advised him, apart from little bit of fine-tuning which every youngster needs during my stint with J&K. And I hope that with a little bit of luck and backing from his skipper, Parvez has everything that a player needs to be successful at the international level.”

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta, who worked with Rasool at Pune Warriors: “What I liked about him was his ability to soak in information. Even our coach Allan Donald was impressed with his work ethics and sincerity. He is humble, always ready to learn and is a team man to the core.”

Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah: “Have heard the great news about Parvez Rasool being selected to play for India against Zimbabwe. Well-deserved selection. Make us proud now.” “He has made it to the team on the back of a very strong performance in recent months; his being a Kashmiri is incidental.”

What can we expect from him?

Rasool will find limited opportunities to play at Zimbabwe, as the team is likely to play Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja instead in the playing XI. He might get a look in if Mishra is taken for runs in the initial games, or if the team management decides to experiment with the team line-up.

However, by also selecting him in the India A squad that will tour South Africa, the selectors have shown that they are willing to keep faith and give chances to the player to prove himself.

As Bedi rightly put it, “His opportunity has come and it’s up to him to take it”. Rasool will be aware of the task at hand, and will certainly try to make the most of it.