For ageing Lion Tambe, proof of his effectiveness is in the killings
For Pravin Tambe, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the only time of the year when he can showcase his talent on a big stage. After Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the IPL, the veteran spinner has found a new lease of life with Gujarat Lions.
He was brilliant in the two games he featured in, playing a decisive role in wins over Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians. His wickets were that of Pune’s Ajinkya Rahane and Kevin Pietersen, and Parthiv Patel and Kieron Pollard of Mumbai, at an economy rate of 7.5.
The Mumbai-based bowler said success in the IPL was about outthinking the batsmen. “If you vary your length and pace, spinners will survive in this tournament. Even pace bowlers are trying to bowl slower ones, or slow bouncers. It helps if you bowl slower, if you mix it up, to contain batsmen.”
Tambe turns 45 this year, but said age didn’t matter for him or Aussie spinner Brad Hogg (45) of the KKR. “It’s just a number for me and I feel that’s what Hogg also thinks. We are enjoying the game. The main thing is if you are enjoying, then you will keep playing.
“It has been a good journey. I have teammates from Rajasthan Royals who are here. As professionals, we gel very well.”
Before the tournament, many had doubts about the team composition, especially the bowling unit. However, after three wins on the trot, bowling looks their strong suit. The Lions have four bowlers with more than 50 wickets in the IPL — Praveen Kumar, Dwayne Bravo, James Faulkner and Ravindra Jadeja. With Dale Steyn also in the dugout, it is a formidable unit.
“We have variety, which includes two leg spinners who bowl differently, two left-arm spinners and a couple of fast bowlers who can mix up deliveries well.”
BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT, MANY HAD DOUBTS ABOUT THE TEAM COMPOSITION, ESPECIALLY THE BOWLING UNIT. HOWEVER, AFTER THREE WINS ON THE TROT, BOWLING LOOKS THEIR STRONG SUIT