Tahir: Variety is key to spin success in IPL
South Africa spinner Imran Tahir is under no illusions about being a slow bowler in a batsman-dominated competition like the IPL, but hopes his experience will be enough to trick some batsmen as he plays for the Delhi Daredevils.
Tahir was the best spinner at the recent World Cup, the only one to take a five-fer, and is confident of doing well in the IPL. But he knows that one wrong move will see the aggressive batsmen send the ball into the stands.
Tahir said on the IPL website: "It’s hard obviously, especially T20 cricket. But we have a key role to play. I think there is still a lot we bring to the table.
"Having variety is very important. If you don't have variations you are not going to survive, especially playing in India as the Indian players are so good against spin.
"I have to adjust to the conditions very quickly. It’s big difference from T20 to fifty-over cricket. (But) if you back yourself you can do well.
"A lot of left-arm spinners from India have had a lot of success (in the T20 format). So according to me all type of spinners have a big role to play. T20 is a good challenge.
"But you need to go there with a big heart and that’s the only thing I can say about it."
Delhi were the most unimpressive team last season, finishing stone last and winning just two matches, but Tahir is hopeful that this yea, under the leadership of South African coach Gary Kirsten and Proteas all-rounder JP Duminy, that things will improve.
He added: "As a team we need hope that we come back strong. From what I see we all put in our hard work and as team we are gelling really well. We are hoping for a good season.
"Look, we are working hard. No one can guarantee who is going to win, especially in IPL (which is a dynamic tournament). We are working hard and hoping that we can deliver on the day.
"And if we deliver on the day I am sure we will be the better team all the way long in the IPL. Hoping for good this year."
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