Interview with RCB's Tabraiz Shamsi: "I always wanted to become a magician"

Shamsi could be the X factor for RCB

The Royal Challengers have not had the best of starts to their IPL campaign this time. With a solitary win from three matches, the Bangalore franchise's bowling attack hasn't been able to make much of an impact. And now, injury to Samuel Badree has ruled him out of this year's IPL.

The RCB think-tank, however, didn't take time in finding a replacement for him. The newest entrant in their squad is Tabraiz Shamsi, a slow left-arm chinaman bowler from South Africa, known to be a mystery spinner in their domestic circles.

In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, the 26-year-old, who has already landed in India, talked about the opportunity of getting to play in the IPL, and more. Here are the excerpts:

Q: First of all, how excited are you to be getting to play in India? Have you been to the country before?

TS: I'm super excited to be in India and to get an opportunity to play in front of the millions of cricket loving fans here. I had been to Bangalore four years ago, but only for ten days for a Cricket South Africa spinners camp.

Q. How do you feel about getting to play under Allan Donald?

TS: Yeah I'm really excited about working with Allan Donald and Dan Vettori. They both have years of experience and knowledge and I can learn a lot from them.

Q. Donald has dubbed you as a 'mysterious spinner'. How do you describe your bowling variations, and what do you have in mind about the slow, spinner friendly Indian wickets?

TS: Well from what I've been hearing from the guys it seems that the pitches are not turning a lot and some of the grounds have small boundaries but I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully putting in some big performances for the team.

Q. Who are your favourite cricketers and role-models?

TS: Well, I would really like to have a chat with Brad Hogg during the IPL if I get a chance. There aren't many chinaman bowlers in the world and I can relate to his bowling, so I really want to make use of his experience and learn as much as I can from him.

Q. What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

TS: It would definitely have to be going to the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) last year and ending up as their leading wicket-taker (for his franchise: St.Kitts and Nevis Patriots). Also, one moment that sticks out for me is bowling at the death against Kieron Pollard in our domestic Ram Slam T20 competition in South Africa last year and only going for three runs against him, as he's one of the most destructive batsmen in the world.

Q: What are your favourite hobbies and pastimes away from cricket? I hear you wanted to be a magician as a kid!

TS: Yes, as a kid I always wanted to become a magician. But then cricket came along.
I'm also studying a marketing degree, so away from cricket, I need to focus on my studies. Besides that, I just like to relax and spend some quality time with friends.

Q. Would you like to share anything with the cricket-crazy fans in India?

TS: I have always heard about the passion and love for cricket and I'm really looking forward to seeing that and entertaining the fans.