Just like it happens with most of the seasoned domestic warhorses, 30-year-old Faiz Fazal had also stopped expecting anything of late, but now that he has earned his maiden India call-up, “the world seemed like a much beautiful place” for the Vidarbha left-hander.
A few years back when I had scored 700 plus runs in a Ranji season, I was expecting some good news but it never came and I was disappointed. Over the years, I had stopped expecting as then you don’t feel disappointed. Today when my father called me up, it felt as if the world around me seemed so beautiful.Faiz Fazal
Fazal believes that he came into prominence for his match-winning 127 against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in the Irani Cup match this season, where Rest of India chased down a mammoth 480 in the fourth innings.
I believe that match brought me into prominence. Scoring a century in the fourth innings against Mumbai in Mumbai in a chase of 482. That will certainly remain a high-point of my domestic career. I batted seven hours and anchored the chase after we conceded 300-plus lead. That was special. I believe my century (100 off 112 balls) against India B in the Deodhar Trophy final also was a satisfying effort.Faiz Fazal
There was a tinge of disappointment in the voice of the former Rajasthan Royals player who was not picked by any franchise for this IPL season despite scoring 559 runs in the Ranji Trophy last year.
Obviously, it was disappointing but then I am now used to it. I knew that I had to keep working hard and that’s why when I got a chance to play club cricket, I grabbed the opportunity. It keeps me match-fit. For someone like me, call it my mantra or USP, it has only been hard work. When I have worked hard at nets, I have felt relaxed out there in the middle.Faiz Fazal
India won’t be playing any more limited overs fixtures in next one year and it may mean that Fazal, if he gets a chance and does well, might get confined to the fringes once again.
However, when someone is 30 and had nearly given up hopes of playing for India, every day in the dressing room is a thing of joy.
I don’t want to think on those lines. I would like to give my best and learn a few things from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Which cricketer in India does not want to play under someone like Dhoni.Faiz Fazal
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