Former Indian player Faiz Fazal has accepted that one of the reasons he didn’t get game time with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL was the lack of impact from him. Across the 2010 and 2011 editions of the tournament, he played only 12 games and scored 183 runs which came at a modest average of 18.3 and a strike rate of 105.78. He also ended up playing just one ODI for India, where he scored 55* against Zimbabwe in 2016 as well.

Speaking to CricketNext, here’s what Faiz Fazal had to say about his IPL career: “I played 10-11 matches first up and then didn’t get any game in the next one. There were IPL awards in that year. So, I was in the nominations for the best debutant. I guess there’s this trend of having players who bring in impact. I was probably lacking that impact. Ofcourse, I was lacking something. That’s why I wasn’t picked.”

However, over the past few years, IPL has been helping the budding cricketers to get fast-tracked into the Indian team. Fazal’s lack of success in the IPL also affected his chances of making more than just the solitary India appearance. as well.

“That’s such a healthy thing for Indian cricket. The players who are a part of IPL are really very good. If these players play domestic cricket, it would help Indian cricket. I think this decision by BCCI is very good,” Faiz Fazal concluded. “The charm that Ranji Trophy, red-ball cricket, Test cricket has that’s just different and amazing. I’m still so emotional that I will miss playing red-ball cricket. The kind of pressure an opening batsman has while facing a new ball is just different. I would really wish and pray that the youngsters give importance to FC cricket.”