South Africa’s class legspinner spells out how to reach the top

“Never give up.” In a nutshell, that’s the advice South Africa’s top class legspinner Imran Tahir would give to his New Zealand counterpart, up and coming Ish Sodhi.

The pair have stayed in contact since New Zealand were last in South Africa, and Tahir, now the world’s No 1 ranked ODI bowler, had high praise for Sodhi.

“We had a good chat after the last series. He’s a lovely guy and I wish him all the best. If I was him, I would work harder. I’m not saying he’s not, but that’s the advice I’d give him.”

Tahir, 37, admitted when he was Sodhi’s age, 24, he had much to learn.

“When I started bowling, I was like him. I didn’t know my game. I didn’t know how to use variations. I just used to bowl leggies. But I worked hard to try to find out what could benefit me to be successful in international cricket.

“We are not playing in a spinfriendly situation in South Africa because the pitches are flat most of the time. [It was a case of] how I needed to adjust in those conditions. I did a lot of hard work.

“That’s the only advice I can give him. Never give up. That’s how I’ve been playing my cricket all my life.”

Tahir arrives in New Zealand as the No 1-ranked ODI bowler, to go with his T20 top ranking, something he’s chuffed about and which he sees as a vindication of all the work he’s put in on his convoluted path to the South African side.

Born in Pakistan, Tahir got to South Africa, via Britain, and playing for more than 25 teams — four English counties, three South African franchises and the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

“When I started in cricket, I never thought I’d one day be the No 1 bowler,” he said yesterday.

“All the hard work I’ve done, I’m very excited. Coming top in that is a really good achievement and I’m really grateful to the team I’m playing for. They have made me the bowler I am today.”

Tahir is among cricket’s most exuberant figures, notably when he takes a wicket. There’s no stopping him, and no real explanation for the big moves, he added.

“I don’t have an answer. That’s just how I am,” he said. “All my life, I’ve been waiting to play international cricket. It’s just those hard hurdles I had in my life, I just try and enjoy every wicket I take for my country. I think it just naturally comes from me. I like to celebrate that way.”

Among the hurdles, Tahir was called in to the South African test squad at the start of 2010 to face England. Later that day, the decision was overturned once it became clear he wasn’t yet eligible. It took another 18 months for his test debut.

His career and life have been characterised by a substantial drive to succeed. And he’s in form, too, as shown by 10 wickets in the 5-0 romp over Sri Lanka which carried South Africa, and Tahir, to No 1 rankings.

In seven ODIs against New Zealand, Tahir has taken 11 wickets at 23 each. Expect him to pose a threat in this series.