KARACHI: While acknowledging the benefits gained during the just concluded fast bowlers camp, promising young paceman Ehsan Adil on Monday sounded confident about performing well in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
“Yes, I have been selected in the national [limited-overs] squad for the first time. However, to me giving [impressive] performance for the team on a given day matters the most, and I am geared up for it,” Ehsan said while talking to Dawn on the last day of the fast bowlers camp here at the National Stadium on Monday.
Right-arm Ehsan, 20, identified the progress he made as a fast bowler at the camp under Wasim Akram.
“This camp has certainly helped me fine-tune my bowling,” he said. “I feel that I have learned how to bowl slow bouncers and yorkers on [and just outside] the off-stump.
"Furthermore, Wasim bhai’s guidance also helped me modify my grip on the ball and now it feels better bowling,” explained the Sheikhupura-born lanky bowler who described out-swinger as his primary weapon against batsmen.
Ehsan, who made his first-class debut last October, sought a long-term future playing for Pakistan. “I have set a goal for myself, which is to represent Pakistan in the long run,” said the pacer who made his Test debut against South Africa at Centurion last February.
Commenting on his plans for the Champions Trophy where Pakistan are grouped with South Africa, India and the West Indies, Ehsan said: “I have set a plan for the Champions Trophy. I will maintain my line and length in seaming English conditions because my prime focus is to contain the batsmen. Dismissing a batsman requires a process and my first step in this process will be to dry up runs.”
Terming his physical fitness level top-notch, Ehsan claimed that he was one of the fittest players at the bowlers camp.
Responding to a query, Ehsan recognised the importance of the work done by the PCB psychoanalyst Moin-ul-Atiq on boosting his mental strength. “The one-to-one sessions with Moin have been very fruitful for me, making me aware of the prime significance of positive mental approach towards the game.”
On being asked to pinpoint the turning point of his short career — 13 matches, 61 first-class wickets at an impressive average of 19.21 and 17 scalps in 13 domestic one-day games at 33.94 — Ehsan picked his individual show in a lost cause at the 2012 U-19 World Cup.
“I produced a noteworthy all-round performance against India in that World Cup match. Though we lost that battle but my individual effort in it gave me a new sense of confidence to progress further. This confidence then made me perform well in first-class cricket,” Ehsan said.