EXCLUSIVE: Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani chats to Sport24

Sport24 asked: How would you sum up your IPL experience so far?

Blessing Muzarabani: Being part of the IPL with the Lucknow Super Giants has been wonderful. I joined on a training basis as part of my desire to continuously improve as a cricketer and be ready to step on to the big stage at the IPL should an opportunity arise. I have been enjoying every second because I’m mixing with some of the best cricketers in the world and the talent has been top-class. There is a big squad of players in the IPL so it’s no every time that I get to bowl. As such, every time you get to bowl you have to ensure you make the most of it. I’m not really worried about playing (in the tournament) and for now I just want to practice and be the best that I can be. Whether or not I played (during IPL 2022) my goal was just to go in there, learn as much as possible and improve as a player. I have enjoyed having South African Quinton de Kock as a teammate and it’s always good to bowl to him because you learn a lot. I have only bowled once to him in the nets so far and haven’t been able to get him out. He’s a good guy and a great player who has already achieved a lot in cricket. I’m looking forward to bowl to him again in net practice and hopefully I can take his wicket.

Sport24 asked: Which fast bowlers have you drawn inspiration from?

Blessing Muzarabani: In terms of mentors, former Zimbabwe head coach Heath Streak taught me a lot about game awareness and bowling variations. Makhaya Ntini, who was Zimbabwe’s bowling coach, really helped me with my action and he ran some of the toughest fitness sessions during his time with the national team. He always passed around with good energy and tried to infuse the guys with a positive mindset. In the