KheloPakistan.com are proud to present an exclusive interview with young Pakistani pacer Bilawal Bhatti. Bilawal, born in Muridke, is still 20 years of age. A Fast bowler by nature, Bilawal is also a handy batsman. He has picked up a handy 180 wickets in 39 first class games, and also recently was apart of the Sialkot Stallions squad that won the Faysal Bank Super eight T20.
KheloPakistan (KP): What was your first cricketing memory? Bilawal Bhatti (BB): My first cricketing memory is when I started playing street tape ball cricket as a child. KP: How was the journey from youth to domestic? BB: After getting admitted in school I gave trials for the school team in 8th class. I was selected for the school team and that is where I seriously got interested in the game. After my matriculation, I took admission in Punjab College where I continued playing cricket for the college team. While I was playing college cricket, Mr. Ansar Zafar, who was Deputy Secretary of the Gujranwala Cricket Association at that time urged me to play for the regional U19 team. In 2007, when I first played the regional U19, they used to select 3 youngsters from the regional academy for FC level and 5 youngsters for Grade II level. I performed really well in that season and had played OD FC matches by the end of 2007. KP: What difficulties have you experienced in your career thus far? BB: Obviously everybody experiences difficulties in career but for as long as I have been playing thanks to Allah I have been able to perform consistently. But then again difficulties are also part and parcel of the game. I was lucky not to face difficulties experienced by many other youngsters and MashAllah I was able to play a lot of cricket inside my first year. I had never expected I would play this much cricket this soon. KP: How did you use to manage cricket with your education? BB: Well, after 9th grade I never really gave much time to my studies and cricket was my first priority. Even during my college, I was playing more cricket than studying. After joining the regional U19 team, I found it even harder to give time to studies and so I had to give up on it after passing the Intermediate level. KP: You average a healthy 17 with the bat and have a FC century; do you think you can improve and become a genuine bowling all-rounder? BB: I really think that is possible. As a matter of fact, I got selected in the regional U19 academy as a batsman. I first performed as a batsman and played in the team as a batting all-rounder, as I used to bowl lesser. I worked on my bowling quite a lot and eventually became better as a bowler. Now, I am also trying to improve my batting and I hope I will become a complete all-rounder soon. KP: Your average bowling speed in your view? BB: Well, according to my coaches and team-mates I bowl around 140 kph. In the recent Faysal Bank T20 Super 8, I only got a single game in the tournament so I never really got into my rhythm properly. Even though I touched speeds of around 137 kph in that game, I knew I wasn’t bowling with full rhythm. KP: What is your main weapon as a bowler? BB: Well, I think my bouncer is pretty lethal as the batsmen seldom expect it due to my short height and it raises just enough to make them play because it doesn’t get much elevation. Therefore, it is very effective. KP: What is your favorite shot? BB: I love playing the cut shot. KP: Who coached you and if you could have any player to coach you in the future who would it be? BB: Basit Ali is my favorite coach. I would love continuing work with him as he has coached me excellently till now. I’ve learned so much from him in just one year and if it wasn’t for him, I may not have learned these things in 4 or 5 years. KP: Do you see yourself representing Pakistan in 5 years? BB: InshAllah! Every player hopes and strives to play for Pakistan and I am no different. KP: Do you think you can challenge Hammad Azam as Abdul Razzaq's long term replacement? BB: I think Hammad Azam is an excellent player. Even though he is an exceptional batsman, I have my doubts over his bowling ability. Therefore, I do not think he is a complete all-rounder but a great batting all-rounder. As far as replacing someone is concerned, I think everyone thinks for his own betterment and strives for personal success. You only get to the next level by crossing someone, be it a youngster or a big international player. I don’t wish any bad luck for him or for any other player but I would definitely be competing for a place in the national team. KP: Which cricketer inspires you and why? BB: Andrew Flintoff really inspired me. I loved the way he bowled and intimidated batsmen. I am also a huge Ricky Ponting fan. KP: Do you think you’re ready for tough demands of international cricket? BB: Yes. Thanks to Allah I am physically very fit and I really think I can make a mark on international cricket if given a chance. KP: If you could advise any upcoming player what would it be? BB: In my opinion, no matter how skilful you are as a batsman or a bowler, if you’re not 100% fit you will struggle to deliver your best. I really think our youngsters and even seniors are very talented and even better than us. We have no dearth of talent; it is just the fitness that poses problems both at the domestic and international levels so we need to work on it. I would suggest each player to improve his fitness individually. I am firm believer of fitness being the sole reason behind your success on a cricket field. KP: Any message for our readers? BB: I would request them to pray that international cricket returns to Pakistan so that the cricket starved nation can see their heroes winning on their home grounds.
GeoSuper