One ball was all it took for Prasanth Parameswaran to be propelled from the obscure world of a journeyman cricketer to the limelight reserved for the next big things of Indian cricket. Hailing from the backwaters of Kerala, Prasanth became an overnight sensation and one of the brightest hopes of Indian cricket after he dismissed Virender Sehwag in the very first over he bowled in the IPL. A hammer thrower in his school days, his has been an eventful journey to the most glitzy stage of modern day Cricket. Tall, fast and accurate, he was described by no less a player than Sehwag as potential India material. He is also a poster boy for the changing face of Kerala Cricket.

In this exclusive interview with FWD, he speaks about his remarkable journey and his dreams for the future.

Hi Prasanth, Let’s start with your life before IPL?
One of my cousins directed me to CMS College Kottayam as he thought it would provide more opportunities for my cricket career. Until then I had made no decision to make cricket a career, but things began to change after I was selected to Cochin Refineries Cricket Academy based on my performances in the intercollegiate matches. My three years in Cochin Refineries Cricket Academy is the foundation on which I’m trying to build a cricket career now.

Do you think Kerala pitches aid pace bowling? What is your feeling when you play in Kerala wickets?
Well, I think we can convert our resources into our strength and reach the standard we aim to achieve. We have, in the last IPL, already seen a sterling five wicket haul by Ishanth Sharma at Cochin International Stadium. It was a good sign that we could develop more pace pitches even in Palakkad, Perunthalmanna and in different parts of Kerala. I feel Kerala wickets are impartial. It doesn’t mean that they favour pace bowling, but the overcast skies favored me and I could utilize it to my advantage.

Describe your path to IPL? After not being in the primary squad, how did your IPL story happen?
The time when news about the launch of Kochi IPL team had splashed in the media, it triggered many discussions on the possible players from Kerala. Raiphi Gomez, P Prasanth, I and other three or four were on the top of the list. Many people predicted that I would get the selection. Even though I was a debutant, I had performed well in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy last year. I had high hopes of getting into the team. The fact that I had a contract with the Kolkata Knight Rider’s in the previous season was also an advantage. During the selection trials the coach also mentioned that they are interested in taking me in. But during the last minute shuffle I was excluded from the team. In fact it prompted me to bowl in the nets to mingle with the international players. I guess, I made the right impression.

Did Kochi Tuskers management invite you to bowl in the nets?
No, they didn’t invite me. KCA took initiative and send me to bowl in the nets. Other players discussed about my bowling. There was a practice session afterwards and within two weeks I was selected to the team.

Who influenced you in the team? Your favorite team mate?
The coach, senior players, and overseas players were of great help. I had a very good relationship with VVS Laxman even before IPL. He was a great guide in my voyage. Brendon McCullum and Muralidharan are very friendly. I’m very close to S.Sreesanth, Raiphi Gomez, P.Prasanth as well.

Can you recollect your feelings before the IPL debut match?

I was selected to the Kochi squad only for the last 10 matches. When Kochi played against Delhi I had no hopes that I would get into the final squad. Until the very first game everyone will be very relaxed, the real tension starts when the debutant game is up. Until we reach Delhi the team wasn’t announced. General practice is to announce the squad a day before the game. But this particular day they announced the team only before the warm up. I was super surprised when I found my name in the final squad. Then everything happened so fast. I had no time to figure out what was happening and to get tensed about my debut, and that helped me to perform well.

Your memories of the first over against Virender Sehwag?
It was a surprise call. There were no decisions made on who was going to open the game. Jayawardane gave me the ball and asked me to bowl. I had no time to tell my family and friends about my debut match. This in fact was good as I was relaxed and was under no pressure to prove myself in front of them. The first ball was a sixer. Everyone seems impassive. The thought that Sehwag, though a great cricketer, is still a batsman who I can get out gave me confidence. He is a batsman and I’m a bowler. If he can hit me for a six I sure can take his wicket. And that was what exactly happened. The sixer in fact gave me strength to come back.

Was that a planned delivery?
No, not at all. My normal delivery is the out swinger. I got an uneven bounce and swing on that delivery. It was sheer luck. I don’t think any bowler can plan his delivery. Maybe that happens in rare cases.

Virender Sehwag spoke about you as an Indian material, what do his words mean to you?
I am really happy that he said those words. It gave me a lot of confidence. Those words of encouragement lift me up. Even when you mention it now it elates me and encourages me to work hard and go to the next level.

How was the experience of getting smashed by Chris Gayle?
He hit me for 37 runs in an over, and it proved to be a better learning experience than what I would have gained had I got him out the first ball. The important thing is that I didn’t get depressed. I took it on chin and promised myself that I would return as a stronger player. Sometimes the best lessons are learnt from unpleasant experiences.

How much of an influence has Sreesanth been in your fledging career?
He was very helpful. He has always given me the right advice as to how I should be going about my career. He said, “I am a bowler, and so are you. I have already played international cricket, that is the only difference; but your time will come soon. You are bowling really well. You have to maintain the composure and keep pounding away.” He is a superb bowler. His words gave me a lot of energy. He also said that I have to behave in the right way. He advised that I should speak to the batsman and the coach and get feedback. He also helped me during the match and supported me throughout.

How is life after IPL, the money factor?
I believe that when money comes to you, ways to spend it will also follow. My mode of living has improved; but I think money is secondary for me. Money cannot buy you respect.

As a bowler who is your inspiration?
Wasim Akram. The time I spent with Kolkata Knight Riders while he was the coach proved productive. His advice based on his vast experience was extremely helpful.

Future dreams, India dreams.
Yes, from the very first moment in my cricket career I aspired to play for India. When people are positive towards me and see my potential I am really happy.

What are your interests other than Cricket?
Apart from cricket I love fishing and driving. I am very passionate about driving heavy vehicles. I never miss a chance to drive heavy vehicles. (A sheepish Prasanth continues) I recently became lucky enough to buy a Mercedes Benz. I have a Bolero also. I just love driving.