I would prefer to open: Hafeez

KOLKATA: When the Kolkata Knight Riders announced the list of their foreign recruits for the IPL, Mohammad Hafeez���s name hardly caught the attention.
However, after three decent outings, the 27-year old Pakistani allrounder, is not sure of his place in the side for Tuesday���s IPL game against Mumbai Indians but there is no denying the fact that his presence in the playing XI lends proper balance to the team.Pakistan���s utility man spoke to TOI on a host of issues including the IPL.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview
How has life been as a Knight Rider?
It���s been a fabulous experience. I am proud that Eden Gardens has been our ���home��� ground. I first played at the Eden Gardens in 2003 for Pakistan A in a Tri-series match against India A. It was a rain-curtailed match, yet there was a decent turnout on that day. However, on last Sunday it was quite different. I will remember the match against Hyderabad for a long time. We might have had a torrid time batting on that pitch but I will never forget the support we got from the huge crowd. When I hit a six, the cheer was deafening. It���s still ringing in my ears.
How do you see your team performing over the next four weeks?
We have had a good start. This tournament is also like the World Cup where consistency will be the key. Two wins may not mean much if we fail to maintain the consistency and confidence level.
How has been the senior-junior relationship in the squad?
In one word ���great���. Skipper Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting and coach John Buchanan have taken the initiative right from the outset to bridge the gap between international and local cricketers. I can tell you that at times, I feel as if I have played all my cricket with the likes of Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Wriddhiman Saha. Such has been the camaraderie. I believe that IPL will benefit Saha, Shukla, Dinda and other local boys more than us.
How is Sourav different from Inzamam-ul-Haq?
They are two different persons with different approaches. Inzy bhai is probably the best batsman Pakistan have produced in the last decade. He led by example. He is always very calm and composed. Rarely have I seen him worked up in pressure situations. Dada, on the other hand, leads from the front. He is always positive and aggressive.
Is it difficult batting in the middle-order?
I would be more comfortable opening the batting as I have always been an opener in all forms of the game. If I open, it gives me more time to plan my mode of attack against the opposition. With Salman Butt joining, I hope that he and I may get a chance to open, especially after Brendon McCullum leaves for national duty.
Was it difficult attending the Knight Riders��� camp when your mates were playing the ODI series versus Bangladesh?
I would have been happier to have played for Pakistan. However, I am working hard and treating IPL as a platform through which I can stage a comeback into the national team. I captained Sui Northern Gas team to victory in the Qaid-e-Azam Trophy earlier this year. I have also scored runs in our domestic first-class matches. It���s up to the selectors now.
Any role models......
The one and only Roger Federer. I wish I could meet Federer one day. I would certainly ask him about the secret behind his phenomenal consistency. He is a true champion in every sense of the term.