Chennai Warsi’s second home

TN Raghu

There was a deathly silence at the MRK Stadium when Imran Warsi of Chennai Cheetahs was carried off the field after a collision with a Bhopal Badshahs player during a World Series Hockey match on Tuesday.

Chennai fans, however, regrouped soon as they belted out the name of the Pakistani ace. The cries of “Warsi, Warsi” rented the air again when the Cheetah returned to action after treatment on the sidelines.

There was no surprise that the Cheetahs fans have warmed up to Warsi, who has taken the WSH by storm through his deadly drag flicks. The handsome Pakistani is the man with the Midas touch. Warsi has contributed 15 of Chennai’s 32 goals in 10 matches. The drag flicker leads second-placed Gurjinder Singh of Chandigarh by four goals on the scoring charts. Warsi is a red-hot favourite for the golden stick at the inaugural WSH.

Warsi has scored at least a goal in each of Chennai’s four home matches so far. When the Cheetahs endured a poor run at the MRK Stadium, Warsi’s penalty corner prowess gave the fans some solace. It was the Pakistani’s precision that paved the way for his team’s maiden win at home on Tuesday. Barring Chennai’s away match at Bhopal, the Pakistani has scored in every game.

Warsi said he was not willing to bask in the limelight. “Hockey is a team game and the goals of an individual shouldn’t become the talking point. I play for the name (Chennai Cheetahs) printed on the front of my jersey. The name on the back (Warsi) is immaterial to me. The performance of the Cheetahs is more important to me than personal glory. We will continue to do well because there is unity in the team,” he added.

The drag flicker enjoys the responsibility of leading Chennai’s charge. “The event is taxing with a tight schedule. I know my team look up to me to deliver whenever we get a penalty corner. It is difficult to live up to their expectations all the time, but I always give my best. Whenever I pull on a Cheetahs shirt, I feel like I’m playing for Pakistan,” he said.

Warsi said he was moved by the gesture of fans when he got injured in the Bhopal match. “I was energised by the affection of our fans. Without the support of fans, no team can flourish. We have the best set of fans in the WSH. The atmosphere in our home matches is terrific.

The Cheetahs owner L.T. Nanwani ensures that the players are comfortable. I feel completely at home in Chennai. I would love to remain a part of the Cheetahs in the next edition of the WSH,” he added.

Even for a professional hockey player, being away from home can be difficult at times. Warsi felt a twinge of sadness on Thursday (March 22) because it was his wife’s birthday. “My wife is in Russia now and she would have loved to have me around on her birthday. I’m fortunate that I have caring and loving team-mates in Chennai,” he said.

Warsi said he is privileged to have Jose Brasa as coach. “He is one of the best coaches I have played under. Brasa is passionate. At the same time, he never loses his composure. He has certainly brought out the best in me. I will always be grateful to him,” he added.

According to the Pakistani, the WSH has become a huge hit in his native country. “The live telecast of matches on Neo is a boon to hockey lovers in Pakistan. My family members never miss a Cheetahs match. TV coverage and monetary benefits are key to the development of the game. Nimbus has done excellent work to run the WSH,” he said.

Warsi said the WSH would throw up new stars for Indian hockey. “I know how the PHL became a platform for many young players to showcase their talent. The WSH is an even better stage. I see many future stars in the Chennai squad such as Sinclair, Vikas, Raja, Santosh, Sivamani, Ekka and Hamza,” he added.

The bonhomie in the Cheetahs ranks was evident during a practice session at the MRK Stadium some days ago. When Deccan Chronicle photographer approached Warsi for a portrait shot, the Pakistani directed him to Raja, saying that the Tamil Nadu player is the Rajnikanth of the team!
WSH action today

(Live on Neo Sports)
Pune Strykers vs Mumbai Marines (7pm); Karnataka Lions vs Sher-E-Punjab (9pm).