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We are not afraid of Yuvraj or Harbhajan, says J&K captain Rasool
He has led from the front when it mattered the most and Jammu and Kashmir skipper Perveez Rasool says his team's historic feat of reaching the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy was a "special one" and will motivate the players more.
- Rasool stars as J&K make Ranji Trophy history
"I can't explain you my feeling at the moment. We are among the top eight states in Ranji Trophy. The boys are just itching to meet Punjab and let me tell you that we are not scared of any opponents although they have Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh in their ranks. We are ready for a fight," Rasool said.
For Rasool, the qualification for the quarter-final and the fact that they will be playing in 'B' group was a "matter of pride".
"This performance promotes us to B group next year in which we will be locking horns with the teams which were in 'Elite' group earlier. This means that we would need to work even harder as a team. From here, the challenge to elevate ourselves to the next level starts," says Jammu and Kashmir's first international cricketer.
Rasool scored 83 and picked up seven wickets
Rasool played a stellar role in Jammu and Kashmir's qualification as he first scored 83 to get the first innings lead and then ran through the Tripura line-up to take seven wickets which ensured that they enjoyed a better run quotient of (+1.006) than third placed Goa (+1.005).
"As a captain, it is my duty to perform in crunch situation. I am happy that I could peak at the right time," said 24-year-old Rasool, who has taken 21 wickets and scored 550 runs in the current season.
Asked about the run quotient, Rasool laughed.
"You can't believe that I was sitting with a pen and paper and doing all sorts of calculations about how we can qualify for the knock-outs. I was doing all sorts of permutations about what score we can get Tripura out. I am happy that our plans worked well today," Rasool said.
Determination to be reach at top level
For Rasool, the team has some quality players, who need more exposure at the top level as they have the ingredients to get better.
"This is a team which thrived on enjoying each other's performance. I have got a taste of top level cricket by playing for India A and IPL and sharing the Indian dressing room. We have players like Adil (Rishi), Hardeep (Singh) and Bandeep (Singh), who have all done well. The pacers Samiuallah Beigh and Mohammed Mudhasir have bowled their hearts out," the skipper said.
"Considering other state associations, we don't even get 15 percent of those facilities. This speaks of the volumes of determination that these boys have showed in reaching this level. The quality of cricket at the first-class level has gone up and to measure up you need the best infrastructure," Rasool explained.
'We haven't got any match fees for the last two years'
For him, these Jammu and Kashmir boys have done it because they are passionate about the game more than monetary gains. Jammu and Kashmir players' match fees are blocked because there is inquiry going on in Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association regarding a financial bungle. Subsequently BCCI has blocked the money pending inquiry.
"You know, we haven't got any match fees for the last two years. But none of the players have ever complained although cricket is our livelihood. I believe this is the dedication, determination and discipline that has made us believe that we can beat any team," Rasool said.