B'desh wickets similar to Eden: Dinda
First Published : 01 Mar 2012, 18:28
Last Modified : 02 Mar 2012, 18:14
Mumbai, March 1: Ashoke Dinda’s efforts in the domestic circuit have been rewarded with a call-up to the national side for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Bangladesh. The 27-year-old has impressed everyone with an overall tally of 62 scalps in the 2011-12 domestic season so far.
The Bengal fast-bowler says that the wickets in Bangladesh are similar to those in Bengal and is therefore confident of performing well in the quadrangular series.
In an interview with bcci.tv, Dinda spoke about his comeback in national colours and Sourav Ganguly’s immense influence on his game.
Excerpts:
On getting a call-up after a couple of years’ gap
I have done a lot of hard work and it feels good when you get success as a result of that. But the important thing now is to maintain the success. I will continue doing the hard work. I was the second highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy and overall the highest wicket-taker in this domestic season.
On the changes he has made since his last international game- in terms of technique, action, armoury etc.
Yes, there are a lot of variations [that I have developed] because one-day matches are different from four or five day matches. It is a different ball game. In one-day you can’t bowl all the balls in the same way. I have been playing one-day matches for a long time and I have also played a lot of T20 and IPL matches. I have got a lot of tips [from seniors and others]. This is the perfect time for me and I will make most of the opportunity given to me.
On the people/coaches that have helped him and the changes that he has made
I have made a lot of changes to my bowling. Eric Simons the former bowling coach of India had made me bowl on a single wicket when I was with the Delhi Daredevils. This year I continued doing that during the Ranji Trophy too. It helps to better the line and length. I used to bowl the slower one and when I was in KKR [Kolkata Knight Riders] Wasim Akram had taught me to bowl the slower one.
Sourav Ganguly too has been helping me a lot. I have played all the matches under him this year. He has helped me a lot, advising me on bowling and in the domestic season. He has supported me mentally. If a big senior player encourages you and backs you. I try to listen to and implement if anyone tells me something.
On playing in PWI under Sourav Ganguly
I am ready. Dada has known me for a long time now. He has seen me play since I started playing at the Under 22 level for Bengal and he has always backed me a lot. He knows me inside out, the kind of talent I possess or don’t possess. He is aware of my capacities and knows that I can do it. It is a big thing if your captain believes in you. It helps the player perform better. Encouragement is there. I will definitely do well.
On how bowling with the new-ball from both ends aids the fast-bowlers
It is very good for a fast-bowler because the ball doesn’t get old. It remains new so you get more swing [...]20-25 overs old ball doesn’t become too soft hence if you hit the deck hard, you gain speed and the ball will swing too so that is good for the bowlers.
On whether he focuses on movement and swing or pace
Pace is my key. People wonder, ‘how will this guy bowl? He is of a small built.’ I don’t have a well-built body but I can bowl at a 140kmph plus speed. It is my key. I will not compromise on pace and with that only I will swing the ball and bowl at a good length also. So I will have all three things. I have practised bowling yorkers as well so hopefully will do well.
On two bouncers-per-over rule
That also helps a lot if you bowl two bouncers in the six-ball over. Some batsmen don’t like the bouncer so for them you can have two bouncers which means two dot balls or set a field for the bouncer and bowl accordingly [to get their wicket]. If you can bowl in the right areas then you will definitely get success with the two bouncers. I get a lot of wickets by bowling bouncers. I like bouncing the ball.
On Joseph Dawes - bowling coach of the Indian team
After he sees me bowl and then whatever advise he gives I am ready to learn and will try to implement it and practice as much as I can.[...] an opportunity to learn.
Your expectations from the opportunity in the Asia Cup
I am ready to play matches. The Bangladesh wicket is almost like Bengal wickets. There is not much difference and I had seen it when I went there the last time. The wicket is like the Eden [Gardens] wicket so I guess I won’t have much problem [adapting to it]. Be with the team, try hard and will definitely perform well.
On bowling with Nehra for PWI
When he was part of the Indian team I too was playing for India in the Asia Cup and on the tour to Bangladesh also. So he knows me well. He encourages me a lot [and gives advice on] how to bowl, how to change pace. He is a very good bowler with lot of international experience. I hope he will teach me quite a few things and I will try to do what he teaches me. Being a senior player he will have a lot of knowledge so will try to learn from that
