Hyderabad’s very own Mehdi Hasan, a young left-arm spinner was extremely nervous before the IPL 2018 auctions which concluded recently. However, the skilled player is now relieved as he has been picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad this year.
With a good and creditable domestic cricket background, Hasan is super excited about his selection. He shares, “Last year too I was expecting my name to feature in the auction. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen. So when this year I got to know that finally my name will be there in the auction list, I was nervous.”
He goes on, “After playing Ranji for years now, I knew I had good cricket in me. And the IPL is the best Twenty20 league happening around the world. I had to be a part of it. Secretly I was hoping that my home team would pick me but again, getting the opportunity to play is bigger than playing for your home team. With Sunrisers, the game has got just bigger and better!”
A former student of St. Paul’s High School and St. Mary’s College (Yousufguda), and a computer science graduate from Shadan College of Engineering and Technology, Hasan has been playing cricket since the age of nine, much to his parents’ delight. He debuted for Hyderabad’s Ranji team in 2011 and has since been its part. “For the selections, it’s very important to perform well in domestic cricket. The most important tournament for the IPL selection is the Twenty20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I did quite well in the tournament. I got a positive response from the cricketing world in the city. My name came up on the second day of the auction. Throughout the day, I kept myself together while watching it on television. In the first go, I wasn’t selected but later, Sunrisers bid for me and I was relieved,” Hasan says.
At present, the 28-year-old cricketer is not only looking forward to play in the IPL, but also make a mark for himself and wear the blue jersey soon. “I will have the opportunity to interact with some big players of the world. It gives us a chance to be in the dressing room. That will be a big moment for me. I have always had immense respect for V.V.S. Laxman, who is the team’s mentor and he has seen me playing for a long time now. I can’t wait for the season to start and be in the playing 11,” shares Hasan.
It’s only been a couple of days since he was selected, but Hasan is already busy preparing for his big debut with hours of regular workouts and training with specialists at the Uppal stadium. He says wants to perfect his batting skills. “I know I am a good bowler but to excel in every format of cricket you have to be an all-rounder. I am practicing at the net every morning and sharpening my batting and fielding skills,” he says. Whenever he is not training, Hasan likes to spend time with his family and close friends. “Apart from playing cricket, I am like any other guy who loves to watch movies and go around trying different restaurants and cuisines,” he concludes.
