More than eight years after former Indian cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin was banned from cricket for his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, he now takes guard as a political batsman.

"The controversy took place long time back, I have nothing to say to that. In fact I have lodged a case against the BCCI. Now I want to keep moving forward," said Azharuddin.

Azhar, in his playing days, was a role model for all cricketers because of his fitness. His obsession with keeping himself fit would serve him well in the energy-sapping cesspool of Indian politics.

"When I was playing, my managers always told me that I should speak up. That training I have, and it will help me address the people well," said Azhar.

His admirers would like Azhar to contest from any of the three Lok Sabha constituencies in Hyderabad. The former skipper who has played 99 tests would need all his batting skills to negotiate all the political bouncers and googlies.

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 6215 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.