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The Rediff Encounter / Shoaib Akthar

For God and country...

The Taj Bengal was like a prison cell where me - the common woman required to meet the deadly inmate in the form of the world's fastest bowler, Shoaib Akthar, felt very much the odd one out.

For some odd reason, I am never taken to be a serious worker, the tendency being to group me with one of those autograph-hunting groupies one invites to 'socialise' (Ed's note: Trishna is a member in good standing of the TWI camera team, and covers cricket round thee world). Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I am female! Trying to get across to them that I love the cafe-chats I get to have with cricketers because I am interested in the game, not the person, is probably the toughest part.

Ian Chappell was at the cashier's desk, so I detour to chat him up for a few -- meeting an authentic great in cricket is an uplifting experience and you want to get as much of it as you can.

I get Shoaib on the house phone -- when I can get at it, given how many Afridi fans are hovering around, waiting to chat up their favourite -- and he readily agrees to a chat.

Given the security cover in Calcutta, Shoiab's agreeing isnt enough, apparently, the duty manager wants him to come and fetch me in person. From experience, not many celebs like to go the extra mile, but Shoaib, albeit wearing an irritated look, does come down.

Heck, I figure as I march after him in the direction of the coffee shop, an irritated Shoaib is better than no Shoaib at all.

"God got me into fast bowling, I didnt have any formal training at all," Shoaib says, when I ask him how it all began. And when I press a bit, he continues, "No, I didn't go through schools cricket and things like that, I used to play on the streets. I was not part of any formal school cricket team, I was a player from the streets, a raw player. You keep playing, hoping someone is going to notice you."

I don't buy into that, really, I mean, do people just notice a street player? My doubt draws a fierce look from the quickie. "Yes, they do, they just spot you in the crowd. You have to be lucky, though. Actually my elder brother had a role to play. He helped me keep up the interest in the game and made me believe that I would one day be noticed!"

So I switch the conversation, ask him how the Indo-Pak cricket 'reunion', after a lapse of 12 years, feels.

That draws a huge smile from Shoaib. "Enjoyable. I have really enjoyed this tour. We have been looked after very well, and the crowds (this was before the riot following the Tendulkar dismissal) have been extremely sporting. I particularly remember the Chennai Crowd applauding our victory lap. I like playing in India."

We are interrupted for a brief while - when the coffee shop band want to play for Shoaib and take a picture with him.

When I have his attention again, I ask about this whole thing of playing against India -- does it fire him up, does it inspire him to give that extra little something?

"No, it is not just against India, I feel fired up whenever I play, whenever I have the ball in my hand. See, when India and Pakistan play we tease each other on and off the field, so that puts an edge, to perform. There is good cricket and a great atmosphere, and you tend to get pumped up as a result."

I get a chance, then, to ask him about the famous Pakistan huddle, increasingly in evidence on this tour of India. "Yes, we get together and and strategise, think positive, and talk of going for a win, we only talk of how to win, nothing else, it all helps, it is a question of motivation. We younger ones also benefit during those huddles, by getting advice from our seniors."

Asked which bowler he had modelled himself on, Shoiab's eyes light up. "My tutors are Wasimbhai and Waqarbhai. (Akram and Younis). They have taught me all that I need to know regarding pace bowling. Younis in particular is the rhythm bowler I idolise. Both of them are living examples for me, on the field and off it.

Asked what role his lengthy run up played, and whether he would consider shortening it, Shoaib was unequivocal. "The long run up helps me in buling up the rhythm that I need for my fast deliveries. No, I would not cut down my run up as of now. I am young and therefore can afford the log run in!"

Talking of how he pushes himself when the odds are against him, Shoaib the philospher materialises. "I motivate myself all the time . I always think can and never cannot. If you believe in God and believe you can do it, then you will do it, that is what I believe. I always give my best and leave the rest to God."

Which is his cue to stand up, genially shake my hand, and march out of the coffee shop... while I sit and brood a bit on a superfast conversation with the fastest bowler in the world...

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