For 16 long years, Shabnim Ismail has tormented batter after batter with her pace and her reputation of being the fastest bowler in the world. Now, even after she announced her international retirement, the hunger and the passion are still very much intact. And more importantly, the pace is too. As she comes off a stunning spell of 4-0-18-3, she talks about a range of topics in the post-match press conference. Excerpts..

On her stunning form despite having retired from international cricket

It all boils down to commitment. I retired from international cricket a couple of months ago, but I still have that fire in me and that passion to play cricket. I want to be one of the best in the world, which I firmly believe I am. It is about putting in the hard yards, which I am doing really well.

The feeling of going back into the Auction for WPL 2024

Yes, 100%. I played for UP Warriorz last time and didn’t get much game time. I was happy to be released and I was hoping that someone picks me so that I can display my talent, and obviously have fun.

Thoughts on the wicket on offer against GG

It was so nice to bowl on that wicket in the first game because there was nice bounce. I had a look at the wicket today and it had a bit of a green look, so I thought it would be the same. But clearly not. After my first two balls, I had to assess and put in the necessary effort. This wicket was much slower and so I had to go fuller and just keep the wickets in play. Nice to be bowling and nice to be in the MI team because everybody supports you no matter if you’re doing good or bad. That is what makes us such a successful team.

On working with Jhulan Goswami

Anjum (Chopra) just asked this question, ‘who’s coaching whom at the moment’ (laughs). She is a legend of the game. She calls me a legend of the game. She tells me to put in a little bit more and get to that 130kph mark, but I tell her this is how I’ve been for the past 16 years. We share great amount of knowledge with each other. Issy Wong is in the lineup as well. The knowledge we share with each other helps us become more successful when we go out there and play.

On competing with Issy Wong for the overseas fast bowler’s spot

It’s not easy for her because I just walk into the team and start playing. I said to Issy, ‘my success is her success’. That’s how we play. We have a great amount of international players, a great amount of senior players, so for us, to share that players with the youngsters is what makes us successful.

On which Indian bowler reminds her of herself

I think Jinti (Jintimoni Kalita) is one of the crazy ones in the team. She always wants to learn. She is young. She is always with me in the net. I like taking players under my wing so that when they get to the Indian team, they will remember me. I love sharing my knowledge with the youngsters and make sure they become successful like I am.

On playing mentor to Issy Wong

Issy Wong has been great as well. She told me she is going to go everywhere with me and see what it is like to be in my shoes and how I train. I always say, the way I train is exactly the way I bowl in the middle. I am under pressure when I practice. Although it is a different batter, I just try to execute as best as I can.