Faiz makes way for a youngster, not to play T20s
   Date :25-Dec-2020

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■ By Anupam Soni :
 
With a Strike Rate of 106.17, Faiz hit four fifties from 66 Twenty20 games. Rolling his arms over, he also picked 11 wickets. 
 
ONE may find many players from all over the world nearing forty playing in the shortest form of cricket butVidarbha’s four national titles winning captain Faiz Fazal thinks otherwise. Now 35, the former Rajasthan Royals opener has bid adieu to Twenty20 format just to make sure that he makes way for a youngster. Though fully fit, in fact, much more fitter than his younger team-mates, Faiz has served Vidarbha in all formats till last year. The southpaw still wants to continue with the one-dayers and the longer version. Two days before declaration of Vidarbha squad for the opening tournament of the season — Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Tournament, Faiz wrote to the VCA of his wishes. “Yes, it’s true, I wrote to VCA informing that I would not be available for the upcoming national Twenty20 tournament as I have made my mind to retire from the format.
 
“I am fit no doubt and can still compete (with others) in that format. Presently, I am in best shape but I feel if any other player who is 20-25 years of age gets a chance, further opportunities including that for IPL will open for him. That door is shut for me is what I think. Others may have their opinion and I respect those. But when I analysed myself I thought that it will be better for me if I focus more on one-dayers and the four-day games,” said Faiz while talking to ‘The Hitavada’. The opener, who has a strike rate of over hundred in the shortest format, feels quitting T20 might help him in the long run. “I will be focusing more on quality in the other formats. I might also cut down on injuries by not playing T20. As professionals we are supposed to switch formats quickly but the slogging habit in T20 sometimes creates technical faults in your batting.
 
Though that does not happen very often, I still think that if a youngster gets a chance, door will open for him in future,” the handy all-rounder added. When reminded that some much older players are still playing in the Indian Premier League, Faiz said, “I might be different from others but to be honest I am not interested in IPL. One must have to pave way for others sometime or the other.When I started, I got an opportunity because someone left. I must have replaced some seniors or others. I am content serving Vidarbha, India, India A, India U-19 and U-17. I am confident that I can play for 5-7 more years with ease if I drop one format.” Former India player and Chairman of the Cricket Administration and Development Committee PrashantVaidya appreciated the captain’s decision. “Before writing to the VCA, I had a talk with Prashant sir and informed him about my intent. He appreciated saying people generally do not think that way. I thanked him and he said that it was your call and that he respects it,” said Faiz. Faiz had been part of the restricted camp this season from the start but did not play the practice matches. “Though I had back spasm, I would have played matches but I had made my mind so opted out from those games. I am fit now and was part of the camp for the entire duration,” he said.
 
Ganesh Satish was Faiz’s choice to lead the team in the season opening tourney. “I think Ganesh must lead. He is as good as home grown boy and nobody in the team treats him as an outsider. His nature is that he commands respect from players. Ultimately, it is very important that a captain gets respect. Also, Ganesh is one of the best human beings I have met in my life. He is the best person to lead now.” Now since he has bid the format adieu, it was natural to ask about his best T20 moments. “My IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals at Ahmedabad. It was against Kolkata Knight Riders who had a good attack but I gave the team a good start. Another match that is precious to me was at home (J amtha) when we played Deccan Chargers.
 
“I also remember a charity match for Prince’s Trust. It was a RR vs Middlesex match and I am proud to have played the game at The Lord’s. In fact, that was my first game for RR and is close to my heart,” he recollected. Faiz wished the team very best. “In recent times, we have not done well in T20. People are in good shape and from whatever practice we have had, I hope they will do well. The wicket at Indore is also a good one and that might help. I pray that we do well and qualify for the knock-outs. My best wishes for the team. And, I will be always available for anyone who wants to seek any input from me,” Faiz signed off.