Don't compare me with Sir Gary: Jacques Kallis

Chennai: Much like his role for the Proteas, Jacques Kallis has brought a lot of gravitas into the Kolkata Knight Riders team since the fourth edition of the IPL. This season, he may not have been as successful with the bat in his team's journey to their maiden final, but showed his value by providing vital breakthroughs with his bowling.

A quiet personality, Kallis is easily among the best examples in contemporary cricket of players who have let their performance do the talking for years.

There has been a buzz this IPL with a section of the media comparing him with Sir Garfield Sobers in a debate on who is the greatest allrounder. Kallis, however, does not read much into such comparisons and is fully focused on what is expected of him on the cricket field.

He spoke to Gulf News (on the eve of Kolkata's play-off tie against Delhi) about his team's consistent showing in the IPL among other things. Excerpts:

GULF NEWS: How does it feel to be among the first four teams in this edition of the IPL?

JACQUES KALLIS: I am happy that KKR has finally qualified. It was a roller-coaster experience for all the teams. We have been trying to reach this level in the last four editions and we succeeded this time.

What is the key factor behind this year's success?

We have got good players for each and every position. Even the reserve bench is very strong. For any team that wants to do well and dominate, they need to have a very cordial atmosphere. This year, KKR has a combination of both and, as a result, the team got success.

You are more successful as a bowler this time. Any particular reason?

I really do not know. It just happened. I am happy that I could serve KKR both with bat and ball. The fun of the game is that there is no guarantee for success — it is so full of suspense and uncertainty.

Do you think KKR can win the trophy this time?

I believe in going ahead match by match. We have got a good chance to win the cup this time. This much. You must remember that there is a big gap between the lip and the cup. 

A section of the media has been conducting surveys — making a comparison between you and Sir Garfield Sobers.

You cannot compare any cricketer who played 40-50 years ago. He is the greatest allrounder the world has ever produced. The conditions, opposition attack, the game — all have changed over the years. So you cannot compare a cricketer from the past with the current generation. Sir Gary was an exceptional cricketer. Like him, I can bat and ball but that should not make people start these comparisons.

With still time left in international cricket, will you be chasing Sachin Tendulkar's record for Test centuries?

Oh my God! Sachin is still playing. How can you assume when he will hang up his boots? So, the best thing is to concentrate on my own game.

I am enjoying this great game like anything. I also cannot tell you how long I'll play. I feel great if my centuries help South Africa to win more matches.

You have not led South Africa for a longer period. Any particular reason?

I don't know. I just go out and play my own cricket. This has given me a great joy right from my schooldays and that has not changed in 2012.

Finally, how do you find the atmosphere in India during IPL?

Great...electrifying. Who would not want to play in front of a jampacked stadium? The fun, the excitement, the kind of cricket one can see during IPL is awesome. And mind it, only good players can survive here consistently. If you know to play the game well, you are bound to get success here.