Burly Mumbai Offie, Powar says criticism has spurred him on to prove his critics wrong
Burly Mumbai Offie, Powar says criticism has spurred him on to prove his critics wrong
Talk about Ramesh Powar and the conversation somehow drifts towards his waistline. So much so that his stocky appearance takes away the importance of his cricketing credentials.
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| Mumbai's Ramesh Powar (right) celebrates a wicket against Saurashtra. Pic/Sameer MArkande |
"If I was fat, then I wouldn't have lasted in four-day or five-day cricket. I wouldn't have played two Tests and 31ODIs for India. It's a perception that's developed against me," said Powar.
The off-spinner's five for 109 helped Mumbai put Saurashtra on the back foot on the penultimate day of their Ranji Trophy Super League match at Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra Kurla Complex facility.
Saurashtra were 364 for seven at stumps, chasing Mumbai's mammoth 580 for nine declared.
Powar, who had taken a couple of wickets on Day Two, first removed the dangerous-looking Bhushan Chauhan for 63. His next victim was 'keeper Sagar Jogiyani (19). And just before the end of play, he managed to break the 152-run seventh wicket partnership between Rakesh Dhurv and Pratik Mehta (100 not out) after the former was out leg before on 49.
Powar, who once slapped a spectator for jeering him at the Wankhede Stadium during a Ranji Trophy match in the 2007-08, said comments about his weight do not bother him anymore. "None of the coaches have told me that I am unfit.u00a0 So, why should I bother about such comments? I would rather concentrate on my bowling," he said. Powar said criticism has spurred him on to perform as well as prove his critics wrong. "It was a challenge for me. It has also made me mentally stronger," said Powar.
