Ever since playing his last international game — the World Cup final at Mumbai — Muttiah Muralitharan has been busy hopping flights and losing himself in the adrenalin rush of Twenty20 cricket. And now he is all set to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the forthcoming Indian Premier League.
The world's highest wicket-taker with 1347 international scalps was a bustling presence at the KSCA (B) nets here on Wednesday. He bowled the odd delivery, chatted with awe-struck team-mates and bonded with good friend and team mentor Anil Kumble.
“After I retired from international cricket, I played a little bit in the last IPL with Kochi. I then went to Gloucestershire and played about 16 Twenty20 matches and then travelled to New Zealand and played five (for Wellington). After that I played in the Bangladesh Premier League but I could not play much (for Chittagong) because I got sick. I have played a little bit but not as many matches as other international cricketers (ahead of the IPL),” Muralitharan said.
Great opportunity
The Sri Lankan legend is hoping that he can replicate the good stint he had with the Chennai Super Kings during the first three years of the IPL.
“I have done well in Twenty20 when I played for Chennai. I didn't get many opportunities with Kochi as I played only four games. But when I played in other parts of the world, I did well. Now I have a two-year contract with RCB and it's a great opportunity for me to play for a good side. RCB has many key players including Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, who is in a different mood, and I think nobody can play a T20 game like him,” the off-spinner said.
Added bonus
The added bonus of interacting with Kumble, is another fringe benefit that keeps Muralitharan in good humour.
“We have got more than 2000 wickets in Tests and ODIs. It's a pleasure to be with him. He will be on the managing side and I will play a few matches here and there because I know they got me as they needed a second spinner. Daniel (Vettori) is going to captain so he is going to play the majority of the matches,” the man from Kandy said while keeping one eye on the Test at Galle, where Rangana Herath's exploits have lent him hope about the continuing legacy of Sri Lankan spin.
On Tendulkar's feat
Muralitharan also emphasised that Sachin Tendulkar's hundred international tons is impossible to beat and added that the recently-retired Rahul Dravid, who batted in the maestro's shadow, was an equally accomplished player.
