Exclusive Interview: Sohail Khan (2nd Interview)

[Saj]

22nd January 2008

PakPassion.net: Salam Sohail Bhai, this is PakPassion.Net. Congratulations on your 3 wkts during the patrons game and do you have time for a question or two?

Sohail Khan: Thank you and forget one question you can ask me a thousand if you like!


PakPassion.net: How did it feel playing a Patrons Trophy game vs a visiting International team and getting 3 wickets too?

Sohail Khan: To get a side game vs an International team during my first season was a really big deal for me. I'm glad I got those three wickets but the keeper also dropped a couple of chances as did the slips and the umpires were very harsh on me too; so I'm disappointed I didnt get more than 3. In fact after some of the poor decisions, Shahid Bhai spoke to the umpires asking them if they were planning on giving us any wickets during the match.


PakPassion.net: Why were you unable to get a single wicket during the first innings?

Sohail Khan: I've already mentioned that there were some chances dropped but the pitch itself was a complete disgrace. There was no bounce and the track was a very flat one, I had to put every ounce of energy I had into every delivery I bowled. I've never come across a track as dead as that one in my life, there was nothing in it for fast bowlers. At best it was a spinners track.


PakPassion.net: Spinners wicket? I thought as much when Afridi and Yasir Shah took 7 wickets between them.

Sohail Khan: It was a very difficult wicket for fast bowlers. It was like playing in a hard field, there was no give. It's the sort of wicket that leads to injuries for fast bowlers.


PakPassion.net: When reading reports on the match, your speed was described as similar to Samiullah's and when he appeared on TV he was only bowling in the mid 80's

Sohail Khan: I'm definitely faster than Samiullah, I dont know why they would say that. With the effort I was putting in I'd have to say I was bowling around 90mph, maybe more.


PakPassion.net: Are you injured? Is it your elbow or your shoulder? How long are you out for?
Sohail Khan: No I'm not injured. However I did have a pain in my shoulder when I threw the ball in whilst fielding, the physio checked my shoulder and advised that I take a break and do some exercises that he recommended. I've followed his advice and now the pain is gone.


PakPassion.net: There were a lot of disappointed PPers when you werent selected.

Sohail Khan: Insha Allah I will get a chance to impress them during the 3rd ODI.


PakPassion.net: So you're playing the 3rd ODI?

Sohail Khan: Well I've been told the selectors said that they will try Sohail Khan in the 3rd ODI squad.


PakPassion.net: That's exciting news, are you disappointed at missing out on the first two ODIs?

Sohail Khan: Well of course I am, who wouldnt be? But I think it's worked out better for me in the long run because I have had a chance to get a bit of a rest. I've been playing non-stop for a long while now, I was bowling 30 overs (and more) in games during the Quaid Trophy and then that pitch during the Patrons game really left me feeling very weak due to the exertion needed to get any response from the pitch. I feel a lot better now and hopefully I'll be able to impress with my performances in the remaining games of the Zim series.


PakPassion.net: Well it's good to know that you look at the positive side of events rather than the negative. We'll be watching the 3rd ODI with a lot of anticipation and I'd like to wish you good luck from everyone here at PP.

Sohail Khan: Thank you all and Insha Allah it will be a good game for Paksitan and for me.