After guiding Rajasthan Royals to victory in an edge-of-the-seat thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders, paceman Kamran Khan said skipper Shane Warne's vouch for his ability gave him extra spunk which helped the rookie to hold nerves at the dying moments.
Kamran dismissed Sourav Ganguly in the final over of the Thursday's IPL match when two runs were required off as many deliveries. The proceedings had to be decided through 'Super Over' after the match was tied.
"Before the final over of the match Warne asked me to bowl. I was stunned after watching his faith on my bowling ability and agreed to take the challenge," he told PTI.
Speaking from Cape Town, an overwhelmed Kamran recalled the high-octane moments of the encounter.
"Before the final over Warne handed the ball to me and advised not to get tensed and do my job freely as I was going to bowl Ganguly. I listened to his advice and did not try to do any extra bit and bowled my normal deliveries," he said.
In the 'Super Over', Knight Riders managed 15 runs off Kamran's over with Chris Gayle scoring 13 off it before being dismissed in the final ball.
{{/usCountry}}In the 'Super Over', Knight Riders managed 15 runs off Kamran's over with Chris Gayle scoring 13 off it before being dismissed in the final ball.
{{/usCountry}}In reply, Rajasthan Royals scored 18 off Ajantha Mendis' first four balls with Yusuf Pathan hitting 6,2,6 and 4 to seal the win.
"During our innings in the 'Super Over' I was confident that Yusuf Pathan will achieve the target for us and the thing went just that way," the 18-year-old tweaker said.
"After the match got over Warne first came to me and congratulated. He is a wonderful cricketer and a witty skipper as well," added Kamran who hails from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh.
The pacer also gives credit to the legendary Australia spinner for powering him to the IPL level where he is rubbing shoulders with international stars like Graeme Smith.
"I had played only the club cricket prior to the IPL and if I am playing at this level today, all credit goes to Warne. His faith on me is most important factor behind my success," he said.