'this Is The Proudest Day Of My Life' --Jammu And Kashmir Kapil Dev

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[color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3][size=4]Parveez Rasool, the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the Indian Premier League, has called his debut for Pune Warriors the "proudest day" of his life.[/size][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3][size=4]"This is the proudest day of my life. And the whole of Jammu and Kashmir was watching the match and I am proud of that. I feel really great. First of all, thanks to Almighty [i]Allah[/i], I have made it this far. It feels really nice to get an opportunity in the IPL and to be able to perform at this level," Rasool told [i]IPLT20.com.[/i][/size][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3][size=4]After spending time on the bench for 12 matches, the 24-year-old batting all-rounder finally found a place in the playing eleven of Pune Warriors in their match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday.[/size][/size][/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3][size=4]Rasool, who replaced leg-spinner Rahul Sharma to earn his maiden IPL cap, bowled an economical four-over spell, giving away 23 runs and claiming the prized scalp of Jacques Kallis.[/size][/size][/font][/color]

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[size="5"]"I[/size] would like to dedicate my debut performance to the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir and all the well-wishers all around India," he said.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
"Jacques Kallis is definitely a legend; the best all-rounder in cricket. So, it felt really good to get his wicket. Kallis's wicket was something truly special for me," he added.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
The off-spinner said he was nervous initially, but Yuvraj Singh helped soothe his fraying nerves.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
"Yes, the first couple of balls I was nervous. Then Yuvi [i]paaji[/i] (Yuvraj Singh) came over to me and helped me settle down. I came to know this morning ([i]that I am part of the playing XI[/i]) and I was really happy and excited at the prospect of playing. I was training real hard for whenever I would get the chance to play for Pune Warriors. And I wanted to make sure I grabbed that chance with both hands," Rasool said.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
Rasool said he considers himself a bowling all-rounder.[/size][/font][/color]
[color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]"Currently, I consider myself a bowling all-rounder. But, when I started out, I was a batting all-rounder. However, I bat well too."[/size][/font][/color]

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[size="5"]"B[/size]ut it depends on the chances I get to bat. I did get to face a few balls (against KKR), and it felt good to be out there in the middle. I will surely rise up to the batting challenge as well when I get a chance," he said.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
Rasool said his ultimate target is to don national colours one day.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
"Now my goal is to ensure I play well in every match I get to play. I want to do well for the team and for myself. I hope I play well enough to play for India some day."[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
The unassuming player from the valley shot to fame with a seven-wicket haul against the visiting Australians while playing for the Board President's XI earlier this year.[/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, verdana, sans-serif, FreeSans][size=3]
Rasool, a day ahead of his 24th birthday, spun a web around the Aussies with impressive figures of seven for 45 for the Board President's XI on a pitch that offered the slow bowlers assistance.[/size][/font][/color]