Mohammad Azharuddeen speaks on Ranji Dream, Shortcomings, Love for Kasargod, RCB Experience | Exclusive

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Mohammad Azharuddeen is a renowned name in Indian cricket. The former India captain was one of the most talked about player in the 90s and then certain controversies marred his reputation.

Nevertheless, when you are born with the same name, cricket has to be in your DNA. And carrying the same name, Kerala's Azharuddeen is carving out his own niche in the cricketing world.

In a revealing conversation with MyKhel, Azharuddeen shares insights into his cricketing voyage and aspirations. Originating from Kasargod, a region in Kerala known for its cricket fervor, Azhar has been growing through the ranks. The player was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL as well.

The Growth of Cricket in Kerala

Azhar believes the cricket mentality in Kerala has drastically changed, especially after the COVID pandemic which took the planet to a standstill for some months.

"Kerala cricket has changed a lot. I mean the quality of the players and the quality of cricket which we are playing. It wasn't that competitive when I started playing for the Ranji team but the last three years, especially If you ask me after the COVID, that competition and the mindset of the players has been changed a lot. So from now onwards, playing IPL, playing India team, I can see that a lot of players from Kerala In future definitely they are going to be in that IPL and India frame for sure."

On Kerala Cricket League

He has made a mark in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) by emerging as the fourth top run-scorer in its debut season. And Azharuddeen praises the KCL for offering a stellar cricketing experience, likening it to that of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He captained the Alleppey Ripples in the first season of the KCL.

"It was our first season of KCL It was amazing to be frank. We never expected in such ways but but the quality of Quality of the cricket which we played and and the quality of the tournament was amazing."

Sanju Samson Influence

The influence of prominent Kerala cricketers such as Sreesanth and Sanju Samson has been pivotal, as Azharuddeen points out, in elevating the state's cricket standards. He holds particular admiration for Sanju Samson's leadership and impact, describing him as a fundamental pillar in Kerala's cricket scene.

"Sanju is very close to me. Since under-19 we are playing together, so it's been more than 10 years. I know him very closely and he knows me very closely as well. He is influencing a lot, not only for me but all the Kerala cricketers. We are still struggling to get into the IPL frame or India frame and all but still easily he is captaining one franchise like Rajasthan Royals."

The Shortcomings

In his candid revelations, Azharuddeen admits the challenges he faces due to his aggressive batting style, which sometimes leads to inconsistency in his performance. He acknowledges the need to fine-tune his approach to batting to ensure steadiness and impact in his game.

"I wasn't that consistent maybe because of the way I was playing my cricket. I used to take a lot of risks. I think in the last two years, it has changed a lot and I have really worked on my batting."

My Jersey no. is 14 because of Kasargod: Azharuddeen

His cricketing journey has been significantly shaped by the Kerala Cricket Academy (KCA), where he honed his skills and professional outlook towards cricket, underpinned by the strong cricket culture in his hometown Kasargod and the unwavering support from his family.

"I come from Kasargod. It is the 14th district of Kerala. The place is full of people who are very passionate about cricket. They might have not played proper professional cricket But they love cricket. And I got such a good family. I have seven elder brothers and all of them have played cricket, three of them have been part of Kasargod district cricket team as well. Whenever I get the opportunity I always thank Kasargod people and my family because I am very emotionally attached with that place. That's why my jersey number is 14, because of the district number."

The RCB and Virat Kohli Experience

Azharuddeen's pathway to cricket prominence traced through Kerala's under-19 squads to representing the senior Ranji team, underlining his early commitment to making cricket his profession. Despite not getting game time, he valued his tenure with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, soaking in lessons from cricketing stalwarts. With the IPL mega auction on the horizon, Azharuddeen is focused on seizing current opportunities, harbouring dreams of IPL selection and donning the Indian jersey.

"It was really good [RCB experience]. It was like completely out of my imagination. I can't say how it was. We were sharing a dressing room With Virat Bhai, Maxwell, AB de Villiers. That was amazing And I have learned a lot. Even though I didn't play a single match but still the experience was amazing."

The Ranji Dream for Kerala

Under the guidance of new coach Amay Khurasia, the Kerala team is strategizing to break their jinx in the knockout stages of competitions, recognizing the critical need for a mental shift to claim the coveted Ranji Trophy. He acknowledges the shortcomings Kerala has faced in the knockouts but believes the elusive Ranji trophy is not far away.

"It's been like a few years, especially after Covid we were discussing why we are not winning Ranji Trophy. And we as a team are really working on it. When it comes to knockout matches, there is some concern. We talked a lot and we are really on it and definitely the cup is not that far."

Azharuddeen remains optimistic about his cricketing future, aspiring to achieve greatness on both the IPL and international stages. His narrative is not just about personal ambitions but also underscores the evolving landscape of cricket in Kerala, marked by a collective aim for excellence.