Mumbai Indians all-rounder Graham Napier embodies Twenty20 cricket. He holds numerous records in the format, including, for the fastest century and for most sixes. Essex fans will forever remember the astounding 16 sixes he hit in a T20 match against Sussex Sharks at Chelmsford two years ago, but they may not be aware of his career tally of 88 wickets. Pakistan’s Yasir Arafat (90) is the only bowler to have taken more wickets, claiming a record that Napier held until recently.

If it had not been for the growth of Twenty20, Napier says, he would probably be manning the emergency services by now. His unbeaten 152 from just 58 balls against Sussex contained 16 sixes; believed to be the most in an innings in a professional game. He has not looked back since.

Napier, who calls himself ‘a genuine all-rounder’, is capable of clocking 85 MPH on a consistent basis, and has the ability of turning a game on its head with some lusty blows with the willow.

The 30-year old has been training hard with the Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium. He was seen striking some huge sixes in the nets, and later receiving treatment from team physio Nitin Patel. Napier caught up with MumbaiIndians.com for an exclusive chat. Here are a few excerpts:

How does it feel to hold the record for the fastest T20 century ever?

I am actually a bit surprised that I have held on that record for so long. It was almost two years back and was quite obviously a very memorable knock. There are many big-hitters around the world and there is a lot of cricket happening so I am actually a little surprised that nobody has broken it yet.

Is it true that you were planning to retire before that knock against Sussex in 2008? You were promoted to bat higher up the order and you grabbed the opportunity...

I was not planning on retiring altogether from cricket but was looking at making cricket a part-time job, and playing Twenty20 and other limited-over cricket for Essex. It is true I was considering a career outside cricket. I had been spending a lot of time in the second team, and had application forms for the police force and the fire service. Then the Twenty20 Cup happened, and I found myself in the right place at the right time. So obviously there has been a major turnaround since.

Would you say that the format – Twenty20 – has helped you reinvent yourself as a cricketer?

I would not say reinvent but my game is definitely more suited to the shorter version of the game.  It suits the way I play and I have even made a couple of appearances in the record-books. I have gained a lot of Twenty20 experience now and thus have become a more effective cricketer. There is an opportunity for me over the next few weeks to showcase my talent in a top-class competition.

You have played in the HRV Cup in New Zealand and the Twenty20 Cup in England, besides the IPL. How would you compare these Twenty20 competitions? Which do you find the most competitive?

You cannot compare the IPL with any other competition. It is a different experience, with the bustling crowds and everything else.  There are four international players in each team and you have the world’s finest coaches and cricketers taking part in this event. The expectations are really high, the stadiums are packed, and the level of competition is top notch. Also, performances in the IPL have helped cricketers get into their national sides. This is an amazing platform for aspiring cricketers, and a great way to sharpen skills. Last year I was delighted to just be around the IPL, even though I only played one game. It was great to be part of the show and training alongside Sachin Tendulkar.

Do you consider yourself a batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder? You were also the leading wicket-taker in T20 history...

I consider myself a genuine all-rounder. Bowling is probably where I am more consistent but I enjoy winning games with the bat too. I held the record for most wickets until very recently. Bowling is definitely something that I have been more consistent with. However, I am becoming a more effective batsman too. It only takes a quick burst of hostile fast bowling or aggressive batting to make an impact in a Twenty20 game. I feel I have adapted well to this format and I am trying to get better by putting in the hard yards.

You are used to bowling in seam-friendly conditions in England.  Have you spoken to your peers about adapting to the different conditions in India?

I have spoken to a lot of my team-mates about what needs to be done to be successful in Indian conditions. I had a word with Sachin Tendulkar about what kind of adjustments I need to make to both my batting and bowling. Our coach Robin Singh has been very helpful as well. It is imperative that I get used to Indian conditions quickly and bring out my best game for the Mumbai Indians.

How was the experience of being a part of the team last year in South Africa?
 
It was an unbelievable experience.  Sometimes I pinch myself to know if this is real. And I was considering life outside cricket just a year before last year’s IPL! To think that today I am sharing the dressing room with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Dwayne Bravo and the rest is just unbelievable. I just want to enjoy every moment and try to express myself out in the middle.

Is this your first time amidst the Indian crowds?

I have toured India in the past as a part of the England Lions squad. However, I have not played in front of the jam-packed crowds – that is something I am eagerly looking forward to. I have heard so much from my peers in England and so many others about the experience of playing in front of these crowds. I hope, in fact I am absolutely certain that we are going to get an amazing response from the crowds here at Brabourne Stadium. I cannot wait to be a part of this amazing event.