KheloPakistan.com recently met young Pakistan Fast bowling prospect Rahat Ali and had a exclusive conversation. Rahat, from Multan in Punjab, has been a consistent performer in the Domestic circuit recently and has caught the eye of many pundits. At the time of doing the interview Rahat was hoping to get the recognition that his performances deserved; he has since been invited to the Fast bowlers camp at the NCA in Lahore, under the watchful eye of Pakistan National team coach Dav Whatmore.
KheloPakistan.com: Any message for the readers? KheloPakistan.com: Thank-you for your time Rahat and we sincerely hope that you have a long successful career; with all your aspirations achieved.
KheloPakistan.com: Tell us about your early Cricket days?
Rahat Ali: I live in Multan; I started playing tape ball cricket as a kid in streets of Multan. When I reached 18 years of age, I decided to go professional; that’s when I registered myself with a proper hard ball cricket club.
KheloPakistan.com: Was your family co-operative? Did they promote your passion, your talent or like most Pakistani parents they wanted you to focus on your studies alone?
Rahat Ali: In the beginning my parents wanted me to focus on studies but with the passage of time after having observed my passion for the game they realized that it would be best if they back me up to turn into a professional.
KheloPakistan.com: When did you decide that you want to become a bowler and not a batsman?
Rahat Ali: I have naturally got an athlete’s body which helped me develop my bowling action rather earlier than most of my age group. Also I am aggressive by nature hence a fast bowler’s persona is what inspired me a lot.
KheloPakistan.com: What is your best attributes? Swing, seam or line and length?
Rahat Ali: I have got good pace, can constantly bowl at 140-145 KpH even in long spells, which can go up to the 150 mark when bowling in short bursts. Also I have a natural in-swing delivery, which of course is my most reliable weapon. I also believe that I also have a good control on reverse swing as well.
KheloPakistan.com: You never represented Pakistan at U-19 level, was you a late developer?
Rahat Ali: I started playing hard ball cricket a little late than I should have. Also I wasn’t very good at that time. I also had injury problems too at that time. Lately I have worked very hard on my fitness as well as my bowling which is the main reason behind my recent first class cricket success.
KheloPakistan.com: Who was your childhood hero?
Rahat Ali: Shoaib Akhtar has always been my ideal, I loved his aggression and the brutal pace. I try to mimic him as a bowler.
KheloPakistan.com: Have you spoken to your hero Shoaib or Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis or any other International Pakistani fast bowler about bowling tips?
Rahat Ali: Not yet although Amir Sohail has backed me up a lot, he saw me in a training camp and has admired my talent and grit ever since.
KheloPakistan.com: You have a great domestic record, with a handful of Five fors recently, which one is your favorite?
Rahat Ali: Few weeks ago I claimed 5 wicket haul in just around 4-5 overs in a Pentangular cup game against Federal area XI, they had star batsmen like Umer Amin, Hammad Azam and Awais Zia; I guess that spell has got to be my favorite.
KheloPakistan.com: Has any member of the PCB management been in contact with you about your performances?
Rahat Ali: National selectors come visit us during the first class games. Recently I took a fiver against Punjab in Gaddafi stadium; couple of national selectors were present there too. Nothing official though. (It is to be remembered that this Interview took place a few days before his call-up to the Fast bowling camp).
KheloPakistan.com: Pakistan have many left armers, Wahab, Junaid and Sadaf to name a few; do you think you can break into the Pakistan reckoning?
Rahat Ali: Yes why not? I believe I am good as any you have named, they all are good bowlers within their own right. From the others around my teammate Rizwan Haider, also bowls left arm medium, he is more of an all-rounder though; good clean hitter and controlled bowling are his forte.
KheloPakistan.com: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Rahat Ali: Can’t say anything about that far, though I will try my level best to improve my bowling and come through the ranks to represent Pakistan at the highest level, as soon as possible.
KheloPakistan.com: In modern day cricket, a bowler must have variety. A yorker, slower ball, bouncer and swinging the ball both ways, any that you lack in?
Rahat Ali: I have got good Yorker as well as the slower ball, but we don’t usually bowl bouncers here on the flat tracks. Although I have got good pace and can also bowl accurate shorter ones, hopefully I will make use of that skill once I get an opportunity to represent Pakistan on some lively tracks.
KheloPakistan.com: What aspects of your game do you think you need improvement on?
Rahat Ali: I think I lack a little as far as my fitness level is concerned, so I am focusing on that aspect of my game these days. Apart from that I think I am good to go.
Rahat Ali: Whenever I get to discuss cricket with some kids, I tell them to chase their dreams and payback the game. If you think you have a future with the game, give it a full go. I want to thank you and your readers for the support; please do keep me in your prayers.
GeoSuper