‘I would not say frightening, but certainly fearless’ – Ajaz Patel explains challenges of bowling for rishabh pant [Exclusive]

Ajaz Patel, born in Mumbai Patel, has been the go-to spinner of New Zealand, especially if they have played in the subcontinent in recent years. He played 21 tests and picked up 85 wickets on an average of 29.26. The highlight of his career remains the 10-wicket Huls that he was in Mumbai in Mumbai in the first innings of the second test against India in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in Mumbai.

During an exclusive interview with Crictracker, the left arm spinner remembered a special video message that he received from Anil Kumble after picking up 10 wickets in an innings. For the Unverted, Kumble was the one who took 10 wickets in an innings for Patel.

The 36-year-old also explained how special it was for the New Zealand team to win the World Test Championship (WTC), especially with loyal loyal such as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the side. Patel also described why bowling before RISHABH Pant is very difficult in test cricket.

Born in Mumbai, raised in New -Zeeland -Where does your heart feel more connected, India or New -Zeeland?

To be honest, it is connected in both places for various reasons. I think India was where I was born and initially grew up. And then it is clear that new is Zeeland where I think I made my house, and my family has now established our roots here. But both places have a very special place in my heart. I love India very much. I like to represent my Indian heritage, but at the same time I like to be a kiwi.

How special was it to take 10 wickets in Mumbai, the city of your birth?

Yes, it was great. I think I am very happy, I think, because it happened as it happened and unfolded the way it unfolded. It is a bit of a round circle moment, I think, coming back to the city of your birth and have such a great record in a land that is so iconic, not only in India, but on the world stage.

Has Kane Williamson given a special message to the team after the last victory against India?

No, nothing exaggerated. I think that in general we were all very, very happy for a nation that is as small as ours to achieve something like that and to win the inaugural world test championship. It was quite a great feeling. I think the boys real, real, I think, happy for the boys like Kane (Williamson) and Ross (Taylor) and BJ (Watling), who were the loyal of the team and who had experienced a lot, I think, for New Zealand, especially in many world cups and semifinals and finals and the finals and the final do not go over. But to finally cross the border and to win the championship was pretty special.

You started as a quick bowler before switching to spider in your 20s. What has that shift fueled and do you ever miss the bowling pace?

Yes, I mean, I loved a bowling tempo, a left arm in-swing bowler. But I think the reality was that I would not get or get further at my height and my build. I am lucky that I had the right people around me to guide myself at that moment, and I think I have to create a path and then go on spin -bowling.
But it was certainly not an easy decision because I did very well in terms of fast bowling. I played in the Under-19S Tournament district for Auckland and had some very good tournaments. But I think it was looking at where the future was for me in terms of cricket and if I thought I could make the international team as a fast bowler. And I think I finally decided to follow the spin -bowling route.

One reminder of India that you always wear with you?

That’s easy. The food and family. I mean, for me India is a great place with the most wonderful people. And it is clear that family is such a large part of my life. And at the same time, the food. I mean, you go through the streets of Mumbai, and you can smell it in every corner, and it’s just such a beautiful culture. I think that in terms of food culture in India is so strong and we are very proud of the food we have.

Is there a message from Anil Kumble after he has come to him in that elite club?

I received a wonderful message from Anil Bhai. He sent me a video message that congratulated me, and I think he is humble, he tried to make it sound like I had the better version because I got it in the first innings. He is an inspiration for many bowlers, and what he achieved during his career was phenomenal. And to be mentioned in the same sense, I think is a great honor, and I am very humble through it.

You said earlier that everyone is afraid of rishabh pant when he hits. Do you think he is currently one of the most frightening batters in test cricket?

I would not say frightening, but certainly fearless. He is a Batsman who plays with great confidence, and he certainly does not shy away from taking the hard options. But he is enormously talented and phenomenal in the way he does it. I think we have seen more recently how destructive he can be on an international stage. And I think you as a Bowler know that you have to stand on top of your game to fire someone like him. Otherwise he can really turn a game upside down.

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