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The Rediff Special/ Jyoti Shukla

Pakistan's secret weapon

Danish Kaneria... When you hear the name, you are not sure what to make of it.

So when you add the word 'cricket' to it, it becomes even more confusing. I mean, you've never heard of him -- he has never played in the Ranji, Duleep, Wills or Irani Trophy matches, has he?

Well, of course, he hasn't. After all, he is a full-fledged member of the current Pakistani Test team!

It's true he has an Urdu first name -- Danish means intelligence in Urdu -- but he is a true-blue Hindu. He also happens to be Anil Dalpat's -- remember the guy who, in his short career in 1983-84, kept wickets for Pakistan? -- cousin!

Anil had created a record of sorts by being the first Hindu to be selected for Pakistan's cricket team.

Barely two per cent of Pakistan comprises Hindus and most of them, like Danish, come from the Sindh province.

Danish, who is a leg spinner, plays for Karachi. It was his superlative performance in national league cricket that earned the 19-year-old a place in a team that boasts of experienced spinners like Mushtaq Ahmad and Saqlain Mushtaq.

In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (equivalent to India's Ranji Trophy), Danish -- who was playing for Karachi Whites against Gujranwala -- took seven wickets for just 39 runs. Then, when he was given the opportunity to be part of the Test team against England, he put in a commendable performance (two wickets and nine maidens for 87 runs in 34 overs in first innings and 30 runs in seven overs in the second; the match was a draw).

His great advantage is his height, which helps him lend pace and spin to his bowling. He can turn the ball even on wickets that are not spinner-friendly. And, of course, one cannot discount his ability to work hard.

Like a friend of mine, who lives in Lahore, said: "There are so many Muslims in India that making it to the Test team is not a big deal for them. But the Hindu population in Pakistan is so small that they could be kept in a museum. To earn the Test cap in such circumstances is a miraculous feat indeed."

The Rediff Specials

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