Pravin Tambe
About
After debuting as a cricketer at the age of 41 in Indian Premier League (IPL), Pravin Tambe’s hustle has been extraordinary. From playing tennis-ball cricket and not playing a single high-level match Pravin’s jump in the mainstream cricket is no less than a miracle.
During his childhood Pravin wanted to be a fast bowler but it was his captain who asked him to bowl as a leg spinner. He had worked as a club level cricketer in Mumbai for several years as a side hustle while also working full-time.
Pravin started as a medium-paced bowler in the 1995-96 season of a domestic league of Mumbai’s D division, playing for the Parsee Cyclists Sports Club. Hefurther went on to play in the B Division for the Parsee Gymkhana and eventually, played in the A Division’s top league for the prestigious Shivaji Park Gymkhana.
He first took part in the Times Shield league while working for a shipping company. He shifted from medium-paced bowling to wrist-spinning, after being asked by the captain to bowl a leg-spin during a crucial match. Over there he met India and Mumbai's fast-paced bowler Abey Kuruvilla, who later became a selector at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Later, he got a job as a construction supervisor at the DY Patil Sports Academy by Abey Kuruvilla's recommendation.
In 2013, while serving as the captain and coach of D Y Patil’s team, he got to play for its A team in a T20 match, replacing a player who got injured. It was this opportunity that became the tipping point of his career.
Rahul Dravid and others from the Rajasthan Royals coaching staff had also noticed Pravin when he attended their net practice sessions at the DY Patil Stadium.
Finally this led him to Rajasthan Royals selection trials and he made his debut in the IPL in 2013 as the first player to make his entry into the league at the age of 41.
He played for the Royals for two years before getting selected by Gujarat Lions in 2016 and further he played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017.
He took part in T10 League played in Abu Dhabi in 2018 and later on was selected to play in IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.
In 2020, Pravin represented KKR’s sister franchise, the Trinbago Knight Riders at the Caribbean Premier League.
A biopic based on his life ‘Kaun Pravin Tambe’ starring Shreyas Talpade was released in April 2022.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
- He received the Golden Wicket Award for taking wickets in the tournament in Champions League 2013.
- Pravin took a hat-trick against Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad and also won the man of the match award.
- He received the Purple Cap as the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2014.
- He became the first player to take 5 wickets in season two of T10 League.
Why Pravin Tambe ?
The man who faced severe challenges but still kept going due to his deep love and passion towards cricket, Pravin Tambe is a perfect example of passion meeting consistency. From playing tennis ball cricket to debuting as a legit cricketer in the Indian Premier League at the age of 41, Pravin is not just a late bloomer but he also proves his worth significantly. He surely is an inspiration and at the same time reminds us of how necessary it is to be compassionate towards your dreams!
