Akhtar happy to put troubles behind his back

Kolkata: After a long wait to make his debut in the Indian Premier League, Pakistan pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar produced a match-winning spell in his opening game against Delhi Daredevils. After his four-wicket haul, Akhtar spoke about his experience. Excerpts

Gulf News: What is the secret of your mental toughness?

Shoaib Akhtar: I have my ultimate faith in God. I believe in my abilities and mentally prepared to withstand the pressure.

But controversies seem to follow you?

I never liked to be a controversial character. However, the circumstances have made me one. I am not blaming others, but what I can assure is after every controversy I have come back stronger and matured as a person.

Do you feel the rules like free hits and one bouncer per over are too batsmen friendly?

Definitely, that's not fair. There has been a genuine decrease in quality fast bowling in recent years because of this attitude. It has had an adverse effect on the overall standard of bowling.

Is there any special talent that has caught your eye?

Ishant Sharma. He is a wonderful prospect. But he needs to increase his pace by a few yards and for that he has to develop his muscles. If he can do so, nothing can stop him from becoming the best in the world.

If you had to pick your best five fast bowlers, who would they be?

Imran Khan will always be the No 1 choice and Malcolm Marshall, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Glenn McGrath are the others. Each one is different in their own way, but they all had the batsmen awestruck.

How did you feel after getting your first wicket in the IPL?

I wanted to forget the incidents that happened over the last few months and perform with the ball. So, when I got the chance, I was overjoyed.

Did you expect such a show in your very first outing in the IPL?

I have always backed myself, no matter what the past has been. I must also thank my teammates for their wonderful support.