I think I can become successful in politics: Azhar

Mohammed Azharuddin, one of India's most successful captains before match-fixing allegations put a premature end to his career, reckons he has the qualities to become a successful politician.

Azharuddin, who recently joined the Congress party, said he would focus on bringing about a change in the field of health care and education.

On whether he would hit sixes in politics as well, the former India skipper said, ''I have not been known to hit many sixes, but can hit them if they come in my way. I will have to work hard and maybe I can achieve more than I did in cricket.''

The right-handed middle-order batsman had a strong liking for Congress and had expressed his desire to join the party when he met senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily. He formally joined the Congress party on February 19.

On what brought him to politics, Azharuddin, who played 99 Tests and compiled 6,215 runs for an average of 45.03, said he was swayed by the plight of the poor who struggle to get basic amenities like education and medical facilities.

"The high-command will decide on my role and responsibility and where I should campaign. Whatever the party decided, I
would be very happy,'' he said. The idea of joining the Congress struck him in October last year.

"I thought this is the right time to talk to the people and I met Congress president Sonia Gandhi seeking to join the party," he said.

He said, he was inspired by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, for the way he conducted himself and for guiding others and for bringing changes in the country. Azhar said he felt happy for choosing the Congress and termed it as the right party to take the country forward.

He said that he is a big fan of Chiranjeevi. "He (Chiranjeevi) has got his own charm and let him work the way he wants," he added. Azhar said that he had full respect for others including the Hyderabad-based Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) party.

"MIM is a great party and it has done outstanding work in the Old City here. I know their leaders personally," he said.

He said that he would not have any problems in addressing people as part of campaigning for the forthcoming LS polls.

"I am pretty used to talking. Even when I was playing cricket my managers asked me to address the media. I think if you are to the point while addressing people that give a good impression," the former cricketer said.