Srinagar: Praveen Tambe is one of the most inspiring figures in Indian cricket.
If ever there was someone who embodied the proverb ‘age is just a number’, it’s Tambe.
A leg-spinner who played club cricket in Mumbai for years, Tambe was picked by IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals in 2013, even before he had played a top-level game for a first-class side.
He became the oldest cricketer in IPL and went on to play 33 matches. He was also picked in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy side in the 2013-14 domestic season, and played his lone first-class game against Odisha in December 2013.
Now, Tambe is part of the Konark Suryas Odisha squad which debuted in the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024 season.
“I made my first-class debut against Odisha. It was a Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai (at Wankhede Stadium). That’s why Odisha will always be close to my heart. I’m very happy that now I’m playing for a team from Odisha. This will surely inspire youngsters in the state to take up the sport more seriously,” said Tambe, who celebrated his 53rd birthday on October 8.
Recalling his early days, Tambe said it was his father who inspired him to take up cricket.
“You need to be very passionate about the sport, whether it’s cricket or any other game. You balance your life properly along with the sport you play,” said Tambe.
He feels he has balanced his life nicely.
“This has been a sweet journey for me. There was a time when I dreamt of playing with these guys. Now in this league, I’m fulfilling it,” he admitted.
Endless patience and perseverance paid off for Tambe.
What would be his advice for youngsters to keep themselves motivated?
“If you are looking forward just to achieve something, then it will be difficult for you to get there. In India there is huge competition in cricket,” he said.
The key was to focus on the process, according to Tambe.
“If you want to play cricket for a long time and at a good level, then just focus on the process… Don’t think about whether you are going to be selected or not. I’m not saying everyone will go on to play at the highest stage, but you will surely achieve something in life,” Tambe signed off.