Fwd: Smith on the IPL

Smith on the IPL

With the Indian Premier League in full swing, Dan Nicholl speaks exclusively to South African captain Graeme Smith about cricket's revolution, life in India, and playing in the same side as Shane Warne…

Dan: You've been in India now for a while, Graeme, and we've all been watching with interest. What would you say the highlights have been so far?

Graeme: Hmmm… Difficult one, Dan. There's a lot to weigh up, a lot to consider – it's been a bit of a blur, with so much crammed into such a short space of time. But if I had to single out a few highlights, I'd probably go with the chicken masala in Bangalore, the lamb korma in Calcutta, and the garlic nan bread we had before the last game against the Delhi Daredevils. That was something special.

Dan: I see. And any cricket highlights so far…?

Graeme: Definitely. Playing in front of a full house, the adrenaline at the crease, getting another innings started for the Royals – it's electric out there, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Dan: The Rajasthan Royals are top of the IPL, and it looks to be going smoothly. Any criticisms with the competition?

Graeme: Not really. Dinner break is a little short, perhaps — you don't have time for much more than a little breyani, maybe a poppadom or two. And I wouldn't have minded bowling a few overs, I suppose.

Dan: The South African papers have been awash with letters demanding to know why you haven't been bowling. Is there a reason?

Graeme: Shane's spoken to me, and said that my Test and one-day averages already look like Twenty20 figures, so I assume he means I'm ready to bowl. I can only think he's keeping me for later in the tournament. Quite a few of the other teams have told me that they really think I should get a bowl, so it's only a matter of time, I'm sure.

Dan: Speaking of Shane, what's it like playing with Warnie. We weren't sure you two would get along very well…

Graeme: Media causing trouble again, Dan, that's all. Shane and I are great mates, and we always have been. I've learnt a lot from, little things you only pick after a long spell in the game. Did you know, for instance, that if you're a top spin bowler, like Shane and myself, the best way to strengthen your spinning fingers is to send text messages on your mobile phone? Shane sends dozens a day, and look what it's done for him as a bowler.

Dan: You've got a lot of texts to send, then… How about the other South Africans. Are they doing okay?

Graeme: Mixed bag, to be honest. Polly's been great, Albie and Bouch have done well, but Jacques hasn't quite got going yet, and I'm worried about Herschelle. Every time he sees an Indian policeman he goes pale, and he made us all swear that if anyone asked, he'd never even met Nicky Bojé or Pieter Strydom. Hopefully he'll get some runs soon.

Dan: And have you had anything to do with Harbajhan?

Graeme: India's Andre Nel? Not since he made Sreesanth burst into tears, no. It's a pity he's out, 'cos the crowds love him, but you can't pick on Sreesanth. He's like Roger Federer — you know he's only going to start crying when he gets emotional.

Dan: Speaking of emotional, lots of emotional South Africans on the news that you may be staying in India?

Graeme: I saw the reports, and they're not really accurate. I'll be coming back later in the year for a brief stint, and there will be more visits in the coming years, but South Africa's still home.

Dan: Any particular reason for the visits?

Graeme: I suppose I might as well tell you. I've got a cameo with Brett Lee in a movie that's filming in Mumbai later in the year, and depending on how that goes, I could come back with Jacques for a feature film early next year. Between my Momentum adverts and Jacques's work with Sanex, I think we're ready for the big screen, and Bollywood's a perfect platform.

Dan: And the film in question…?

Graeme: Probably an historical romantic comedy thriller. I'll play a Hugh Grant meets Steven Seagal type character, with Jacques playing a flamboyant opera singer who's secretly a spy. It's all very exciting, and we've done a couple of early readings. But that's a long way off — for now it's taking the Royals to the final, and hopefully taking a few wickets along the way. And some more of that garlic nan bread in Delhi…