IPL is my goal, insists Kerala opener Mohd Azharuddeen

Kerala batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen (left) with skipper Sanju Samson

Kerala's hard-hitting batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen, 26, does not idolise his namesake, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin. He does not even worship current India skipper Virat Kohli. Kerala skipper and India wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is Azharuddeen's sole focus point.

‘Virat's at a different level'
"I don't follow Azharuddin sir. I have watched a few of his videos but I don't know much about the legend. I have met him thrice and even mentioned to him that my elder brother [Kamaruddin], who is a big fan of his, named me after him. But that's all. Virat bhai [Kohli] is an icon for all youngsters, but I don't follow him. He is at a different level," Azharuddeen told mid-day on Friday.

The Kerala opener, who smashed the Mumbai bowlers over the park during his 54-ball unbeaten 137 knock in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game on Wednesday, failed to open his account against Delhi in Friday's game at the Wankhede Stadium. His team however, won by six wickets.

‘Samson is my hero'
So who does he follow? "Sanju bhai is my role model. From the age of 18, I have been following him. I approach him if I need any help in my game, even if I need a bat. It's a mental thing. Whether I am high or low on confidence, the first thing I do is call up Sanju bhai. Speaking to him for a couple of minutes is enough to sort out my issues. I know he is my competitor as he is already there in the Indian team. If I want to replace him, I have to be better than him, so I follow him," explained Azharuddeen, who has set his eyes on playing in the Indian Premier League.

"There are some goals that I have set. I want to score a few tons in first-class cricket. I made my Ranji Trophy debut in 2015 [v Goa] and since then, I always wanted to play in the IPL. Earlier, I didn't get opportunities to bat up the order, so I was confused about my position. But now I'm clear. I feel I'm on the right track," he said.