Within the tapestry of home cricket, the place the highlight usually shines on worldwide superstars, there exists a constellation of unsung heroes who illuminate the regional circuit with their brilliance. Obaid Kamal, a luminary of Uttar Pradesh cricket, is one such celestial physique, whose brilliance has constantly captivated the hearts of followers and consultants alike. Famend for his masterful potential to sway the ball by way of the air, Kamal has been the cornerstone of his state’s cricketing triumphs.
On this unique interview, we embark on a journey by way of the annals of his illustrious profession, exploring the challenges he has surmounted, the aspirations he harbours as the present bowling coach of the Kashi Rudras franchise within the UP T20 league and the indelible mark he has left on the cricketing panorama.
Additionally READ: An Unique Interview with promising star Kamil Khan: His rise, insights from Kuldeep Yadav and future aspirations
Excerpts
Q: How was it like defeating an invincible staff like Bombay on their dwelling turf, that too within the semi-final of Ranji Trophy 1998-99?
Obaid Kamal: Beating Bombay was a dream with home cricket stalwarts current within the Mumbai staff of that period, and beating Bombay in Bombay was a tricky nut to crack, however our staff was certainly a succesful one with Ashish Winston Zaidi, Gyanendra Pandey because the captain. I nonetheless bear in mind within the first innings Zaidi went by way of Mumbai’s batting line-up like a hurricane, bagging a six-wicket haul within the first innings. Although Mumbai have been a succesful staff that would change the tide of the sport within the fourth innings, so when it got here all the way down to the fourth innings we as a staff have been boosting to show ourselves and win the match and I claimed to my media buddies earlier than going onto the sphere that I’ll guarantee that we’ll be profitable the match and I’ll guarantee that we win it comprehensively.
(Obaid Kamal gave a blistering efficiency in opposition to Mumbai on the Wankhede stadium, choosing up 5 wickets for 58 runs)
Q: There was this incident you had with Rahul Dravid, operating after the match earlier than the ultimate in Bangalore about you doing one thing fishy with the ball, would you prefer to clear it?
Obaid Kamal: Look this incident is a humorous one, as folks thought that I tampered with the ball, and I don’t blame them for pondering of such a narrative. To reverse swing an previous ball is a tough process, particularly a ball that was 60 to 70 overs previous, however there’s a catch, these rumours have been after the semi-final with Mumbai, and Wankhede constructed nearer to the seashore had one finish opened for some sea breeze that helped us with the reverse swing. These tales reached Rahul Dravid, and he being the gentleman requested me, “What are this stuff, I get to right here Obaid?” (with a smile). I replied if that’s the case you may your self look into the match (laughing out loud).
Q: Allahabad (Prayagraj) is a spot that produces good gamers and plenty of gamers are from Allahabad too, inform us one thing about your journey.
Obaid Kamal: Certainly, my motherland is magical, there’s something within the water of Prayagraj I suppose, a spot the place three rivers meet. Speaking about myself, I come from a household the place my elder brothers love this sport, my elder brothers Javed Kamal and Parvez Kamal used to play cricket however weren’t within the favour of me taking part in this sport, the reason is I used to be one of many youngest and a infamous chap. However after they noticed I used to be targeted and labored arduous on my sport, they got here ahead to assist me with my sport, and different necessities.
Q: You’re at the moment, the bowling coach of the Kashi Rudras franchise, there are new younger prospects within the staff as effectively kindly share your feedback on these gamers.
Obaid Kamal: Sure, we do have younger gamers and good gamers actually, we now have final 12 months’s hero with us, Atal Rai, working by his title, he’s robust and diligent in his ethics and arduous work. He had accidents final 12 months however he managed all of them and performed like a champion participant and that too after being a quick bowler.
Q: The reigning champions of UP T20 league, how assured are you, that you simply all will be capable to defend your title?
Obaid Kamal: We will’t actually say concerning the future proper now, as cricket is a humorous sport however talking about preparation and final 12 months’s expertise, we performed as a unit and have been gifted by the almighty for our arduous work. Hopefully, we are able to this time too go forward to elevate the coveted trophy with our new aspect.
Additionally READ: An Unique Interview with UPT20 cricketer Parth Palawat: His journey, inspiration and favorite captains
Watch the complete interview right here:
