Exclusive - Pravin Tambe: Taking Virat Kohli's wicket is my favourite IPL memory

Pravin Tambe celebrating a wicket during the IPL 2016. Picture/ AFP

Mumbai born cricketer Pravin Tambe will once again take to the cricket field as he will be part of the T10 2021 League which will be held in Abu Dhabi from today. 49-year-old Tambe found fame at a later stage in his career (age 41) when he debuted in the Indian Premier League as part of the Rajasthan Royals team in 2013. Tambe is still raring to go and ready to bring his set of experience on the pitches of Abu Dhabi. In an exclusive interview, Pravin Tambe talks about his T10 team Maratha Arabians, his favourite IPL memory, his advice for youngsters and his secret to staying fit.

Excerpts:

The Maratha Arabians are the defending champions. What will be the approach going into this season?
The main objective is to win all matches. Being defending champions, we must approach every game as a champion side.

What is the team camaraderie like in Maratha Arabians squad?
I am new to this team. But I am sure during my first practise session it will be great to meet each other as there are many great players in our team. And I think that will show right from the first practice session.

What would be your favourite memory in the IPL?
Well, there are quite a few. The hat-trick against KKR which helped me win the game for my team. But I think my favourite memory would be my match against RCB in Abu Dhabi where I managed to pick up 4 wickets. We went on to win that match and I was awarded the Man of the match. In that game, my prized wicket was Virat Kohli. I think that would be my favourite memory from IPL.

Playing in Abu Dhabi back then and again now. Will that be of any help when it comes to experience on pitches that you carry?
Yes, I definitely think so. I have played with IPL teams in Abu Dhabi. I would also closely monitor the pitch as well. So that would definitely help me in reading the wicket well. Reading the wicket will be easier for me in Abu Dhabi and I would also share my experience with my teammates.

At 41 you made your IPL debut. At 49, you are one of the most experienced players in T10. What advice do you have for youngsters?
My advice would be to follow your dreams and work hard for it. Your dreams cannot be fulfilled minus hard work. Do not focus much on failures and you should be positive in every approach. Respect other sportsmen and the sport.

Advice for youngsters playing T10, T20 and who might play other formats?
My advice would be to not think too much about the game and just follow a particular process. Thinking too much about your game only creates pressure on yourself. Express yourself on the field and it will help you succeed in such short formats.

Give us the secret to how you stay so fit at this age?
I think it would be my love for the game. I want to play each and every match and that helps me stay fit. Obviously, if you need to compete at any level, you must stay fit.

Tell us about a day in the life of Pravin Tambe. What's your schedule like?
I usually start my day, training with the youngsters and also sharing my experience over the years with them. Following that, I head to work at the office at DY Patil stadium. Most importantly, I make it a point to spend quality time with my family at the end of the day.

The T10 League will be held from January 28 to February 6 in the United Arab Emirates.

Watch Abu Dhabi T10 matches on Sony SIX from January 28.