Lean, tall and big shouldered, Shoaib Ahmed looks every inch a fast bowler. It is early days yet for the 21-year-old from Hyderabad but there is enough promise. Shoaib could have well been travelling in the Kolkata Knight Riders team bus and it was a quirk of fate that landed him with the Deccan Chargers.

“I had a good Vijay Hazare Trophy (South Zone) where I picked 24 wickets. After finishing as the tournament’s top-wicket taker I was approached by the KKR for a contract. I was still in doubt as my heart was always with the Deccan Chargers. It is only understandable as I was born and brought up in Hyderabad. Luckily on the same day I of the KKR trials Chargers handed over my contract. It was the happiest day of my life,” said Shoaib during a chat with this newspaper.

Shoaib might have burst into the reckoning with a bagful of wickets in the one-day tournament but the start of the season was not rosy. “I struggled in the Ranji Trophy. With 13 wickets in four matches I knew there had to be improvements in certain areas. I started working on my consistency and had results to show. The spell against Andhra where I picked 7 for 16 was my best and I felt on top of my bowling,” recounted Shoaib.

Having made the transition it is important for Shoaib to make use of this opportunity.

Working on his variations with coach Darren Lehman has added teeth to Shoaib’s craft. “The demands of T20 are slightly different. The focus has been on slower deliveries and yorkers. Lehman has been a great help. The practice sessions under him has been an education,” Added Shoaib.

The youngster who has made quick strides is not entirely happy with the IPL shifted to South Africa. “It has been a great experience without doubt. But playing in front of our home crowds is a different feeling. The support we enjoy even during local matches is huge,” noted Shoaib.

The chargers unit is a friendly lot and the seniors are amiable with the newcomers. They are made to feel at home. Shoaib is an instant hit with other members with his friendly ways. With fellow pacer R.P. Singh he shares a special bond. “One has to experience it to believe it. Players like V.V.S. Laxman and Adam Gilchrist are legends in their own right but they are so easy going that makes you feel at home. There is lot to learn from their simple ways. The dressing room atmosphere is excellent and the support staff too have been very helpful,” explained Shoaib.

Adam Gilchrist had indicated that every member of the squad is in with a chance to play and. Shoaib might not make the cut in the first few games but could well get his due as the tournament progresses. “If and when I get a chance I am ready. Right from the camp in Pretoria I have worked on my accuracy and I should be economical,” concluded Shoaib.