Ajantha Mendis

Durban: Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka’s impact-making bowler and a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders, spoke to The Telegraph at the Southern Sun Elangeni hotel on Monday evening. As the 24-year-old isn’t fluent in English, compatriot Angelo Matthews acted as interpreter.

The following are excerpts

Q You’ve just completed a year of international cricket. How do you look back on this period?

A With a lot of satisfaction... I could set some records, which is nice.

Did you expect to be so successful?

No.

What has brought you this success?

Hard work... Many hours of bowling at nets and the encouragement from seniors. I’ve been lucky to play in such a good environment.

Your inspiration?

(Muttiah) Muralidharan.

Early on, at nets, did you specifically try bowling a particular ball?

I’d try this and that... Basically, I liked to experiment... It’s something I’m going to continue doing.

How would you describe yourself as a bowler?

(Laughs) Mystery bowler!

That’s being vague...

Well, then, I’d say I’m somebody who primarily bowls off-cutters.

Are you worried that quite a few batsmen have worked out your mystery ball?

No... It’s a fact that batsmen study videos of bowlers, just as we bowlers study them... There’s so much footage available and many analysts are around... However, I’ve got the confidence to continue making an impact.

Your most memorable performances...

The Asia Cup in Pakistan (June-July, 2008), where I got a record 17 wickets, and my debut Test series, against India (July-August last year)... I got 26 wickets, another record, something most only dream of doing.

Would your acid test be bowling in, say, England or New Zealand?

Can’t say... Unless I experience those conditions, I can’t make a comment. It’s important to be confident, though.

Is there an aspect of your bowling where you think you need to improve?

Not specifically, but I’m a firm believer in the old saying that practice makes perfect.

How do you prepare for a series/tournament?

I study the batsmen I’ll be having to bowl to... Of course, one has to be flexible with one’s game plan as the actual conditions or the response of batsmen could be different from what has been envisaged.

Is there a batsman who has made you think really hard?

(After a pause) Not really.

To talk of the Lahore attack, where were you sitting in the team bus?

Second row, on the left...

What was your first reaction when the firing began?

I ducked... People were shouting, there was gunfire... It’s difficult describing those first few minutes... I took a bullet in my back and was struck by shrapnel on the right side of my head... Right then, I couldn’t make out the seriousness of my injuries.

Did you pray?

I’m a Roman Catholic... I remembered God...

What else came to your mind?

Because of so much gunfire and shouting, more than my injuries, I was worried about teammates... Thankfully, the driver took us to the Gaddafi as soon as he could drive away.

You underwent surgery in Colombo...

For an hour-and-a-half.

How long did it take you to get over the trauma?

Probably 20 days... I could sleep properly after 20-odd days... The scars of that attack, however, remain.

Would you ever return to Pakistan?

If selected, at some point, then I would.

This is your first trip out of Sri Lanka after that attack. Was the family (parents, two brothers and two sisters) worried?

Yes, but I told them there would be adequate security in South Africa... Such concern, I guess, is only to be expected.

Your hobbies...

I love watching Hindi films... Billu is the last film that I’ve seen, watched its DVD.

Who is your favourite actor?

(Laughs) Shah Rukh Khan... I also like Hrithik Roshan.

Interest in other sport?

Carrom... That’s why the carrom-ball!

You’re a second-lieutenant in the Sri Lanka army... Have you done field duty?

Not yet... I’ve been in the army for five years, but my duties have been limited to Colombo.

How different is the Knight Riders’ dressing room from the Sri Lanka one?

Look, in one way, there’s no difference because the desire in both places is to win. Also, it’s like a family in both dressing rooms.

The last one: What have you gained most in the past year?

Confidence... Today, I’m more confident, both as a person and as a cricketer.

Note: Mendis hasn’t been making the Knight Riders’ XI because only four foreigners can be fielded and the team management has been looking to strengthen the batting.