'Azhar gives 150 per cent to the team. I shall do the same'

Noel David is bubbling with confidence to justify his inclusion in the Indian team now touring the West Indies.

Playing for India 'A' in the SAARC cricket tournament in Bangladesh last week, his 3/32 against Pakistan may have helped him clinch the issue over Punjab's Aashish Kapoor.

Still, even David could not believe that he had made it to the Indian team. "Is it true?" he asked, when reporters broke the news to him. Unlike may India 'A' players who have no godfathers to eloquently argue their case before the selectors, young David may have one in national selector, fellow Hyderabadi and former Test off-spinner, Shivlal Yadav.

David, who took more than 30 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season, began his career as an aggressive allrounder way back in 1985-86, representing the under-15 Hyderabad squad.

Says Arshad Ayub, the former Test off-spinner and Hyderabad coach, "He will be a surprise packet in the West Indies; he is an underestimated bowler in domestic cricket."

On hearing the news of his selection, his small home in the bylanes of Ek Minar, near Nampally in Hyderabad, was flooded with family and friends.

David took some time off from celebrating his call to the national side to speak with Rediff On The NeT's M S Shankar about his plans.

Were you surprised by your inclusion in the Indian team?

Of course, it was a pleasant surprise. But my confidence shot up after my sterling performance in the SAARC tournament.

Why do you think the selectors preferred you to a seasoned bowler like Aashish Kapoor?

How can I answer this query? Selectors are the best judges in choosing what they want in the best interests of the team.

Who inspired you to take to cricket?

I was a good athlete during my early school days. A good sprinter. I won many a laurel for my school (All Saints, which has produced cricket greats like Abid Ali, Jayantilal, Arshad Ayub, Krishnamurthy and Mohammad Azharuddin, besides Khalid Abdul Qayyum) winning the 100 and 200 metre races.

It was Brother K M Joseph, who also nurtured Azharuddin in his formative years, who forced me to play the game. He encouraged me to take up cricket with all seriousness as he felt I was full of promise. This was when I won the 100 and 200 metres in the inter-school championship representing the school. Credit must go to Brother Joseph for putting me on the right track.

Apart from bowling fast off-spinners, you are also considered a good fielder like Azhar. Would you like to get into Azhar's shoes?

I shall try and emulate Ajjubhai. He is a great cricketer. In fact, after Brother Joseph, I consider Ajjubhai my godfather. I learn a lot watching him on the field. Whether while batting or fielding, Azhar gives 150 per cent to the team. I shall do the same, if I get an opportunity.

Many say you got some fielding tips from Jonty Rhodes of South Africa during his visit to Hyderabad.

Rhodes is a great fielder to watch. He is also a great athlete. He also happens to be my hero. I spent some time with him to know the secret behind his excellent fielding without sustaining any injuries. Not that we don't have good fielders. Look at Ajjubhai. He too is an excellent fielder.

Unless every member gives 150 per cent to the team it would be difficult to produce good results.