After spending time on the sidelines for 12 matches, the 24-year-old all-rounder finally found a place in the playing XI of Pune Warriors ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders here.
“Well done Parvez Rasool. Great name for your first scalp,” the CM wrote on his twitter page.
Rasool bowled four tight overs off-breaks as he had impressive figures of 1/23 to show for his efforts.
“Finally Parvez Rasool gets a game in the 2013 IPL. Come on Parvez make us proud. Good luck,” the Chief minister had tweeted before the start of play.
Rasool replaced leg-spinner Rahul Sharma to earn his maiden IPL cap.
The unassuming player from the valley shot to limelight with a seven-wicket haul against visiting Australians while playing for the Board President’s XI earlier this year.
He spun a web around the Aussies with impressive figures of seven for 45 for the Board President’s XI on a pitch that offered the slow bowlers assistance.
A month before that, the all-rounder was included in the 14-member India A squad to play in a warm-up one-day match against England in Delhi.
The call-ups were rewards for his strong showing with both bat and ball in J&K’s otherwise disappointing run in the last Ranji Trophy season.
He finished on top of both batting and bowling charts for the team with 594 runs, including two centuries, and 33 wickets.
With just two wins and 10 defeats, his IPL franchise, Pune would hope that Rasool’s inclusion would bring a change in their fortunes.
As far as the cricketer is concerned, he would hope that it’s better late than never.
(Free Press Kashmir/Agencies)
