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54 Contenders for the Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad — Do Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Deserve a Spot?

by | Apr 22, 2022 | Article Index, India, Miscellaneous, T20 World Cup

In IPL 2022, at least 54 players are auditioning at the moment for the Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad to board the flight to Australia in October.

Exactly six months to go for the World Cup. Halfway through IPL 2022.

With Dinesh Karthik asking questions and knocking the door down, Deepak Chahar’s injury cloud, and Virat Kohli- Rohit Sharma-Ishan Kishan-Venkatesh Iyer having off years, all permutations and combinations are open.

The depth of Indian cricket team is at its all-time peak, but the selectors have their task cut out for them. However, India’s abundant depth is both a blessing and a curse.

So how is this going to work? Today, YOU ARE THE SELECTOR. I am going to break up each role (opener, finisher, fast bowler, etc.) one by one and the contenders for that spot. At the end of each section, you can VOTE on your choice for the Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad.

Contents

Why Have India Not Won an ICC Trophy in the Last Decade?

Last time, India won a major ICC Trophy was the 2013 Champions Trophy. And 2007 for their only T20 World Cup Trophy.

Since then, India have lost 2012, 2016 (semi-finals), and 2021 T20 World Cups, 2017 Champions Trophy (finals), 2015 & 2019 ODI Cricket World Cups (semi-finals). Hindsight is 2020, but what were some of the reasons?

  1. Constant chopping and changing in the squads & lack of clarity on player roles (“The #4 Question”)
  2. Selecting/Mixing players for T20Is based on ODI form and vice-versa
  3. Balance of the XI: Lack of batting allrounders in the Top 6 (too many wicketkeepers)
  4. Vulnerability against left-arm seamers/swing bowlers in the first few overs (ex: Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Trent Boult/Matt Henry)
  5. Wicket-taking options in the middle overs (switch from Jadeja-Ashwin to Kuldeep-Chahal and back)
  6. Freak injuries (Shikhar Dhawan, Vijay Shankar in the 2019 CWC)
  7. Predominantly right-handed batters (post-Raina/Yuvi/Gambhir era)

How To Build a T20 World Cup Winning Squad

Now that we have established where things can go wrong, let us discuss how to form our XI & squad of 15.

Rather than picking the best 15 players in India, we pick out the best players for each role depending on which position they play for their IPL and domestic teams. The idea is that we should not make an opener a makeshift #5 again.

T20s are now moving to a place where a fluid batting line up is preferred. Instead of being assigned a fixed batting spot (#3,4,5, etc.), each batter has a relative batting spot (top order, accumulator, finisher) and an ‘optimal entry’ based on the overs & match situation (Ex: Send Russell after the 10th over, DK after the 16th over, etc.)

Similarly, Powerplay swing bowlers & specialist death bowlers have separate assigned roles. (Ex: David Willey’s role is bowl a couple of economical overs up front, take a wicket/set tone, and not finish his spell).

Ideal T20 XI

So, an ideal T20 XI needs the following ingredients:

  • The Top Order (2 aggressive & 1 accumulator who can soak pressure, but also has change of gears)
  • The Engine Room (3 Finishers – 1 Power hitter, 1 360-Player, 1 Calm-Head/Insurance Policy)
  • 2-3 All-Rounders in the Top 7
  • Wrist Spinner
  • Wicket-taker in the Powerplay (Swing bowler)
  • Death-Overs Specialist
  • 145 kph+ Pace Bowler
  • Mystery Spin optional

Who Was in India’s Latest T20I Squad?

As a quick reminder, here are the list of players and key performers from the recent T20I series against New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.

Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, India have won all of their 9 T20I matches. In these 9 matches, India have had 8 different player of the matches and/or player of the series.

Such a wealth of talent.

Team Indiavs New Zealandvs West Indiesvs Sri Lanka
Series Result3-03-03-0
Highest Run Scorers for IndiaRohit Sharma
(159, 2 – 50s, 53.00 AVE, 154.36 SR)		Suryakumar Yadav
(107, 1 – 50, 53.50 AVE, 194.54 SR)		Shreyas Iyer
204, 3 – 50s, unbeaten*, 174.35 SR)
Highest Wicket-Takers for IndiaHarshal Patel (4, 7.28 ECON)
Axar Patel (4, 6.00 ECON)		Harshal Patel (5, best of 3/22, 8.75 ECON)Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3, best of 2/9, 7.50 ECON)
Player of the Series
(Player of Matches) 		Rohit Sharma
(Suryakumar Yadav 62 (40),
Harshal Patel 2/25,
Axar Patel 3/9)		Suryakumar Yadav
(Ravi Bishnoi 2/17,
Rishabh Pant 52* (28),
Suryakumar Yadav
65 (31))		Shreyas Iyer
(Ishan Kishan 89 (56),
Shreyas Iyer 74* (44),
Shreyas Iyer 73* (45))
Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad – Recent T20I Performers

Here is the list of the 25 players who were selected in these squads:

  • Batters: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul* (WK)
  • All Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel*, Washington Sundar*
  • Fast Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar
  • Spinners: Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ravichandran Ashwin

*withdrawn

Also before you check out the candidates for the Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad, check out BCD’s other social media pages and consider subscribing to our newsletter. It would really help support this website.

Select Your Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad

Next to each player, overall T20I & T20 stats will be displayed along with performance in the IPL after the covid break (IPL 2020, IPL 2021, and IPL 2022 up to the halfway mark)

Each player will also have a symbol:

🟩 Almost certainly plays the first match in the T20 World Cup

🟨 In the Probable 30, but selection in the 15 depends on the IPL and T20 bilaterals preceding the WC

🟪Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but might come into conversation as a backup player.

🟧 Future Indian players who can occupy these roles (Lots of youngsters have come to the party in IPL 2022. I doubt they will make the Indian 2022 T20 World Cup Squad, but you never know)

Who are the Best T20 Openers for India Right Now? (Pick 3)

Who are the Best T20 Openers for India Right Now

India have 9 openers vying for 3 spots for the 2022 Indian T20 World Cup Squad. Namely, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Devdutt Padikkal.
Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul are front runners for the T20 World Cup opening squad (if Rahul recovers from injuries), but Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli are other wildcard options.

1. Rohit Sharma 🟩

Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain

  • T20Is: 125, Runs: 3313, 100/50: 4/26, Best: 118, AVE+SR: 172.03, AVE: 32.48, SR: 139.55
  • T20s: 376, Runs: 10009, 100/50: 6/69, Best: 118, AVE+SR: 165.37, AVE: 31.67, SR: 133.70
  • Last Played T20Is for India: February 27, 2022
  • IPL (since 2020): 31 matches, Runs: 827, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 80, AVE+SR: 154.49, AVE: 26.67, SR: 127.82

Pros ✅: Experience

Cons ❌: Lack of Form

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

An average of 16.28 and no fifties in 6 innings is not the best of Rohit, but remember, he was the player of the T20I series not too long ago. As long he is captain, he boards the flight to Australia as an opener.

2. KL Rahul 🟩

Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Wicketkeeper

  • T20Is: 56, Runs: 1831, 100/50: 2/16, Best: 110*, AVE+SR: 183.17, AVE: 40.68, SR: 142.49
  • T20s: 179, Runs: 6007, 100/50: 5/50 Best: 132*, AVE+SR: 181.64, AVE: 43.52, SR: 138.12
  • Last Played T20Is for India: November 19, 2021
  • IPL (since 2020): 34, Runs: 1561, 100/50: 2/12, Best: 132*, AVE+SR: 190.78, AVE: 55.75, SR: 135.03

Pros ✅: Best Current Batter in India, Versatile

Cons ❌: SR inversely proportional to team composition/match situation

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

Although he has century & a fifty already (265 runs), it still seems that he has more to offer to reach the heights of the last couple of a seasons. A must have in the T20 World Cup XI.

3. Ishan Kishan 🟨

Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Wicketkeeper

  • T20Is: 10, Runs: 289, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 89, AVE+SR: 153.53, AVE: 32.11, SR: 121.42
  • T20s: 121, Runs: 3093, 100/50: 2/18, Best: 113*, AVE+SR: 160.34 , AVE: 29.17, SR: 131.17
  • Last Played T20Is for India: February 26, 2022
  • IPL (since 2020): 30, Runs: 697, 100/50: 0/8, Best: 99, AVE+SR: 177.22, AVE: 41.21, SR: 136.01

Pros ✅: Aggressive Opening Option, Left-Handed

Cons ❌: Lack of Form

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

Ever since he was retained by Mumbai Indians for the mammoth price, Kishan has looked a show of himself. He has a couple of 50s and a top score of 81* but at a SR of 116.46, the Rohit-Ishan partnership is just not working for MI at the moment.

4. Shikhar Dhawan 🟨

Current Status: Out of Squad

  • T20Is: 68, Runs: 1759, 100/50: 0/11, Best: 92, AVE+SR: 154.28 , AVE: 27.92, SR: 126.36
  • T20s: 309, Runs: 8980, 100/50: 2/64, Best: 106*, AVE+SR: 157.40, AVE: 32.53, SR: 124.87
  • Last Played T20Is for India: July 29, 2021 (captain)
  • IPL (since 2020): 40, Runs: 1419, 100/50: 2/8, Best: 106*, AVE+SR: 173.39, AVE: 39.41, SR: 132.98

Pros ✅: Left-handed; Big match/ICC tournament player; Top form in IPL 2020/2021

Cons ❌: Poor form in IPL 2022; Out of Favor with selectors right now; Rohit-Dhawan-Kohli archaic T20 lineup

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

Not as dominating as before (2nd highest in IPL 2020 & 4th highest in 2021). 214 runs at 30.57 average & best of 70, the consistency is just not there this season. Only one 50 in 7 attempts and a SR of 126.62 will go against his name.

5. Prithvi Shaw 🟨

Current Status: Out of Squad

  • T20Is: 1, Runs: 0, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 0, AVE+SR: 0, AVE: 0, SR: 0
  • T20s: 77, Runs: 1962, 100/50: 0/17, Best: 99, AVE+SR: 173.89, AVE: 25.48, SR: 148.41
  • Last Played T20Is for India:
  • IPL (since 2020): 34, Runs: 883, 100/50: 0/8, Best: 82, AVE+SR: 180.31, AVE: 26.75, SR: 153.56

Pros ✅: Aggressive Opening Option; In-Form

Cons ❌: Inconsistency; Golden Duck in only T20I (inexperience)

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

He is in imperious form in IPL 2022! In 5 innings, with 164.93 SR & 36.28 average, 2 fifties, he is giving the start Delhi needs. Is he a dark horse for October?

6. Ruturaj Gaikwad 🟪

Current Status: Reserve

  • T20Is: 3, Runs: 39, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 21, AVE+SR: 121.33 ,AVE: 13.00, SR: 108.33
  • T20s: 69, Runs: 2182, 100/50: 1/17, Best: 101*, AVE+SR: 168.48, AVE: 35.19, SR: 133.29
  • Last Played T20Is for India: February 20,2022
  • IPL (since 2020): 28, Runs: 947, 100/50: 1/8, Best: 101*, AVE+SR: 170.25, AVE: 39.45, SR: 130.80

Pros ✅: Steady when comes good

Cons ❌: Out of Form

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

0,1,1,16,17.73. It is getting better, but the string of single digits was not a good show for 2021’s IPL Orange Cap holder.

7. Mayank Agarwal 🟪

Current Status: Out of Squad

  • T20s: 169, Runs: 4011, 100/50: 2/25, Best: 111, AVE+SR: 160.62, AVE: 26.21, SR: 134.41
  • IPL (since 2020): 29, Runs: 983, 100/50: 1/7, Best: 106, AVE+SR: 181.37, AVE: 35.10, SR: 146.27

Pros ✅: Dependable

Cons ❌: Has Not Debuted in T20Is yet (inexperience)

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

With an average of 19.66 with best of 52, Agarwal is out of runs (and struggling on the captaincy front with PBKS as well). He was in great form in IPL 2020 but has not reached those heights since that mid-season injury.

8. Shubman Gill 🟪

Current Status: Out of Squad

  • T20s: 79, Runs: 2034, 100/50: 0/14, Best: , AVE+SR: 158.66, AVE: 31.78, SR: 126.88
  • IPL (since 2020): 37, Runs: 1118, 100/50: 0/8, Best: 96, AVE+SR:154.31, AVE: 31.05, SR: 123.26

Pros ✅: Majestic; Stability; In-Form

Cons ❌: Strike Rate; Consistency; Has Not Debuted in T20Is yet (inexperience)

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

This might be the breakthrough season Gill was looking for. A vital cog for Gujarat Titans’ dominance. 200 runs already with best of 96. 33.33 Average and SR of 151.51. The two ducks would worry him though.

9. Devdutt Padikkal 🟧

Current Status: Out of Squad

  • T20Is: 2, Runs: 38, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29, AVE+SR: 119, AVE: 19.00, SR: 100.00
  • T20s: 60, Runs: 1967, 100/50: 2/13, Best: , AVE+SR: 171.13, AVE: 35.76, SR: 135.37
  • Last Played T20Is for India: July 29, 2021
  • IPL (since 2020): 36, Runs: 1076, 100/50: 1/7, Best: 101*, AVE+SR: 156.58, AVE: 30.74, SR: 125.84

Pros ✅: Left-hander

Cons ❌: Out of Form

How Is He Doing in IPL 2022?

473 & 411 runs in the last two seasons, DDP has struggled a bit this time around. Best of 41, only 138 runs in 6 innings, 129.72 SR. Might be last resort, but I do not see Padikkal boarding the flight to Australia at this moment.

Other Future India Prospects: Yashashvi Jaiswal, Anuj Rawat

CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE MIDDLE ORDER

County Championship 2022 Predictions – Most Runs, Most Wickets, Winners!

by | Apr 8, 2022 | Miscellaneous, Prediction Zone

By Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 4/07/2022

Today was such a pleasant day for cricket—The County Championship 2022 began, going back to the two-division structure from the ‘pre-pandemic’ era.

8 concurrent matches (I watched the Essex Vs Kent game), friendly exchanges on social media, centuries for Nick Browne & Sir Alastair Cook (yep still going strong!), Somerset bundled for 180 by Hampshire, and lots of young talent on show!

And when there is a new tournament, there is #BCDPredictions. The County Championship is long! It ends at the end of September. So, here are the predictions of our friends from Twitter and Facebook here so we can compare at the end of the journey, who got most Predictions right!

For predictions from the IPL and other Test series, check the #BCDPredictions Challenge archive here.

Also Read: The Comedy of Overs: Shakespearean Parody Starring English Cricket, The Hundred, And County Cricket; County Cricket-Hundred Debate from an Outsider’s Perspective: Can They Co-Exist?

The Categories

The categories for the County Championship 2022 Predictions are:

#MostRuns, #MostWickets, #WinnerDiv1, #WinnerDiv2, and #LookingForwardTo.

As a reminder, the two divisions are structured as follows:

Division OneEssexGloucestershireHampshireKentLancashireNorthamptonshireSomersetSurreyWarwickshireYorkshire
Divisiion TwoDerbyshireDurhamGlamorganLeicestershireMiddlesexNottinghamshireSussexWorcestershire

*If you have not submitted your predictions, there is still time! You can send the predictions in the form below or tag us in Twitter.

My County Championship 2022 Predictions

Due to my personal affinity for Alastair Cook, I went with Essex for Division I, but will be following several domestic and international stars.

Specifically would love to see openers Rory Burns & Dom Sibley return to top form after an indifferent last year in Test cricket. Sam Curran is returning from injury, stalwarts Jimmy Anderson, Hashim Amla, & Darren Stevens are still around, while South Africans Simon Harmer, George Linde, and Kyle Abbott can wreck mayhem on their day.

For the overseas stars, I am looking forward to out-of-favor Cheteshwar Pujara and Pakistani internationals in Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. Tom Haines & Josh de Caires are some popular youngsters to watch.

Also Read: Why The World Needs Sam Curran: Calm, Charismatic, Courageous

The Predictions

1. In-Depth Football and Cricket

  • #WinnerDiv1: Hampshire
  • #WinnerDiv2: Nottingshamshire
  • #MostRuns: Dom Sibley
  • #MostWickets: Kyle Abbott
  • #LookingForwardTo: Vince’s cover drives, underdogs pulling off upsets, youngsters making themselves known.

2. Brian Painting

  • #WinnerDiv1: Surrey
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Hashim Amla
  • #MostWickets: Simon Harmer
  • #LookingForwardTo: Watching cricket at New Road in the spring sunshine, The Cheltenham cricket festival, Naseem Shah bowling, Ollie Pope batting

3. Bex #DenlyMemeTeam

“Oh I’ve got no idea, but I’d go for the same winners here (no bias, of course). Looking forward to watching Joe Denly bat and Simon Harmer bowl.”

Also Read: Joe Denly and Joe Biden: The Importance of Being Joe

4. Longbob Jimshanks

  • #WinnerDiv1: Surrey
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Matt Renshaw
  • #MostWickets: Kemar Roach
  • #LookingForwardTo: Robin Smith not being at Headingly

Also before you check out the rest of the predictions, check out BCD’s other social media pages and consider subscribing to our newsletter. It would really help support this website.

5. Adam Sutherland

  • #WinnerDiv1: Essex
  • #WinnerDiv2: Nottinghamshire
  • #MostRuns: Ollie Pope
  • #MostWickets: Simon Harmer
  • #LookingForwardTo: Watching Amla and Pope bat together at the Oval.

6. Massimo

  • #WinnerDiv1: Lancashire
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Jake Libby
  • #MostWickets: Ethan Bamber
  • #LookingForwardTo: Shaheen Afridi, Tim Murtagh and Ethan Bamber rolling through sides in div 2

7. Saoirse del Tufo

  • #WinnerDiv1: Essex
  • #WinnerDiv2: Durham
  • #MostRuns: Burns
  • #MostWickets: S Cook
  • #LookingForwardTo: Most Excited by this Essex team, a bunch of young talented players and some Stevo specials!

8. James McCaghrey

  • #WinnerDiv1: Essex
  • #WinnerDiv2: Notts
  • #MostRuns: Haines
  • #MostWickets: Abbas
  • #LookingForwardTo: Pope making a massive score, Haines attacking and Cook taking wickets.

9. Andy Heustice

“Jordan Cox, Ollie Robinson in batting, Matt Milnes and Harry Podmore in bowling. Young Zimbabwean all rounder Tawanda Muyeye who might play a few games.”

– On players to watch out from Kent

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2022. Originally published on 04/07/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Kaun Pravin Tambe? Movie Review: Does Shreyas Talpade Revive His Iqbal Magic?

by | Apr 1, 2022 | Article Index, Cricket Movie and Book Reviews, India, Tributes: Cricketing Heroes

By Nitesh Mathur, Broken Cricket Dreams, 04/01/2022

Actor Shreyas Talpade, from Iqbal fame, is back to portray this inspirational story of a man who realized his dream of playing cricket on the national stage at the age of 41.

Can Pravin Tambe’s unlikely journey capture the imagination of the public like other sports movies? Today we review this latest cricket movie released on Disney+Hotstar—Details, Summary, Verdict, and most importantly, Life Lessons We All Can Learn from Pravin Tambe. There is also a section of most popular Pravin Tambe videos, his playing career, and stats at the very end.

Contents

  1. Kaun Pravin Tambe Detail & Information
  2. Kaun Pravin Tambe Summary and Review
    1. The Stories
    2. The Acting
  3. Verdict: To Watch or Not to Watch?
  4. 5 Life Lessons We All Can Learn from Pravin Tambe
    1. 1. Age Is Just a Number
    2. 2. Balancing Dreams with Practicality of Life
    3. 3. Be Open-Minded
    4. 4. Passion Makes Perfect
    5. 5. All You Need Is One Good Over. Never Give Up. Dreams Really Do Come True
  5. Pravin Tambe Videos and Interviews
  6. Who Is Pravin Vijay Tambe?
    1. Pravin Tambe Stats
    2. Pravin Tambe Major Teams

Also Read:

Kolkata Knight Riders just posted an emotional video on social media regarding a special screening of Kaun Pravin Tambe?, celebrating Pravin Tambe who is on KKR’s support staff in IPL 2022 (video of KKR’s special screening linked below).

Kaun Pravin Tambe Detail & Information

Title Name: Kaun Pravin Tambe? (Who is Pravin Tambe?)

Hotstar Summary: Relentless effort can make an underdog rise to the top, and cricketer Pravin Tambe’s extraordinary journey proves why age is just a number.

Protagonist: Shreyas Talpade as Pravin Tambe

Major Cast:

  • Ashish Vidyarthi as Coach Vidyadhar Paradkar
  • Parambrata Chatterjee as journalist Rajat Sanyal
  • Anjali Patil as wife Vaishali Tambe
  • Nitin Rao as teammate/friend/Mumbai selector/India player Abey Kuruvilla (Check Out Kuruvilla’s debut wicket against the West Indies)
  • Arif Zakaria as Jamil Jalali

Directed By: Jayprad Desai

Release Date: April 1, 2022

Length: 2 hour, 13 minutes

Language: Hindi (English subtitles available, also dubbed versions available in Telegu & Tamil)

Rating: 4.5/5

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Kaun Pravin Tambe Summary and Review

Kaun Pravin Tambe? begins with a clip of a Rahul Dravid, who is portraying Pravin Tambe as the embodiment of passion (full speech below). The movie then tries to answer the question for the audience, who is this Pravin Tambe that Dravid is talking about? Cricket fans have heard about with his exploits with the Rajasthan Royals between 2013 and 2015, but how did he start his career? Why did he have to wait for 20 years?

Also Read: What Rahul Dravid Taught Me

The film begins in the early 2010s, when Tambe is juggling his life as a construction supervisor, father, husband, and cricketer. After brief introduction of the Shreyas Talpade, the movie rewinds to Tambe’s childhood and develops chronologically. We see that at the age of 12, Tambe finds his life purpose—to play Ranji cricket for Mumbai. The essence of the plot is to fill the gap between ages 12 to 41.

The Stories

There are several mini-stories within the larger movie. Tambe begins his career as an all-rounder and specifically, a medium-pace allrounder. How does he then turn into this leg-spinner? (Don’t worry, will not spoil that for you here). Another plotline is the various jobs Tambe takes upon for the sake of financial stability, while still trying to give time to cricket. This is my favorite part of the movie.

Finally, the portrayal of the Mumbai grassroots cricket, Shivaji Park maidaans, and gully cricket is cherry on top of the cake. The actual cricket has the perfect screen time—not too much (like 83’s highlights reels), not too little, just right.

The Acting

What makes this a neat watch is Shreyas Talpade’s bowling action. I loved his bowling action in Iqbal and since Tambe started as a medium pacer, Talpade was a perfect fit. His acting is brilliant as usual, but the minor characters (older brother, childhood friend, wife Vaishali, Abey Kuruvilla, and Arif Zakaria as Jamil) are the heart of the film. Special mention to Ashish Vidyarthi, who does an excellent job portraying Vidyadhar Paradkar sir (influential coach for Zaheer Khan and other great Indian cricketers).

Finally, a note on Parambrata Chatterjee, who is a wonderful actor (you might know him as the police officer in Kahaani & Aranyak). However, his minor negative character as a journalist did not suit him or the script well.

Verdict: To Watch or Not to Watch?

At this moment, there is loads of cricket going on—2022 Women’s World Cup, IPL 2022, Australia Vs Pakistan ODIs, Bangladesh Vs South Africa Tests, Netherlands Vs New Zealand limited overs series, and the 2022 County Championship will begin in a week as well.

On top of this, I am sure you are busy with work, family, or school.

But if you can make time for two hours in this busy world, I hope you can set everything aside and give Kaun Pravin Tambe? a sincere watch. Good, light-hearted movie that will rejuvenate your belief in cricket, specifically grassroot & gully cricket.

My review for Kaun Pravin Tambe? is 4.5/5. Great watch. The only thing that took away from the film for me was the minor conflict with the journalist, which seemed a bit forced.

Before we move on to “Life Lessons we can learn from Pravin Tambe”, check out BCD’s social media pages and consider subscribing to our newsletter. It would really help support this website.

5 Life Lessons We All Can Learn from Pravin Tambe

Pravin Tambe symbolizes Broken Cricket Dreams. His journey has broken dreams, but his story is also full of inspiration, passion, hard work, modesty, and determination.

Tambe is one of the great stories of the IPL. Got his big break before playing a Ranji Trophy match. And guess what? After all his toil, results were evident – hat-trick vs KKR, highest wicket taker for Rajasthan Royals in 2014, and the Golden Wicket taker for RR in 2012 Champions League.

And he played till he was 49 across IPL, CPL, Abu Dhabi T10 leagues. I am sure he still plays a few gully cricket games here and there. Dedication to the max. Here are some of the other life lessons from Pravin Tambe we can apply to our lives.

1. Age Is Just a Number

After almost 30 years of toil, Tambe finally got selected for the Rajasthan Royals in 2013. A few months later, he would get his beloved Ranji Trophy cap.

In this day and age of the internet and focus on fitness, anything is possible. Tom Brady, Pravin Tambe, Brad Hogg, and Chris Gayle can still play professional sports at 42. With resources online, you can obtain a new skill, learn new things, change careers, or start a business. At any point in your life, age is no barrier.

2. Balancing Dreams with Practicality of Life

As Tambe entered his twenties, he assumed more responsibilities. He got married, had two kids, and had to pay bills. Usually, people give up dreams during this time for financial security.

Pravin Tambe did not. He worked multiple jobs instead.

Life is all about moderation and balance. And to survive, money is needed. If you can develop multiple streams of income, while still being within reach of your dream goal, that is the ideal zone.

3. Be Open-Minded

Pravin Tambe reluctantly switched from medium pace bowling to leg spin. And boy, did it pay dividends.

There is a fine line between persistence and inflexibility. Quitting should always be your last option, but if things are not working in your favor, be open to change. Being open minded in the micro can have large positive effects on the macro.

4. Passion Makes Perfect

Dravid’s speech illuminates on Pravin Tambe’s work ethic. Although he did not play much the first year, he attended every optional practice session, every gym session, and was always discussing how to improve his game with other players in the squad.

After his first man of the match award in the IPL, “he was weeping.” He cherished every moment of this journey. Although he has now assumed coaching roles, he still plays for his company (Kanga League, Time Shield) and still bowls 15-20 overs a day in three-day-games.

We usually say ‘Practice Makes Perfect.’ That is true, but what is more is that ‘Passion Makes Perfect.’ If you combine your love or passion for a certain activity and put in the practice and the hard yards, then you will be happy with all your efforts and gradually get closer to your dream.

5. All You Need Is One Good Over. Never Give Up. Dreams Really Do Come True

The main theme of Kaun Pravin Tambe can be summed up by one quote in the movie.

“Whether it is life or match, all you need is one good over.”

Pravin Tambe was in the 40 Probable’s List for a number of seasons, even as early as 2000.

But he had to wait. And Wait. Almost gave up. And had doubts cast upon from friends and society, but he kept on working relentlessly and kept on dreaming a dream till he got his big break that changed his life.

In Tambe’s own words, “Just never give up on your dreams. Really dreams do come true.”

Try, Try, and Try Again Until You Succeed. You may take rest but never quit. The light at the end of the tunnel may be bleak, but there is light, nevertheless.

Pravin Tambe Videos and Interviews

Here are some of my favorite Pravin Tambe videos. In his interview with Aakash Chopra, Tambe reveals that his IPL cap was not his biggest moment. Getting the Ranji cap for Mumbai from legend Wasim Jaffer was his most memorable moment.

Here below is one of his best innings of his career. So much spin! Beautiful.

Here is Tambe’s hat-trick and 5-wicket hall in a T10 match that featured wickets of Chris Gayle, Eoin Morgan, and Kieron Pollard (Bowled!), Upul Tharanga – as a 47-year old. Wow!

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Who Is Pravin Vijay Tambe?

Born: 8 October, 1971 (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)

Pravin Tambe Stats

T20s: 64 matches, 70 wickets, Best Innings – 4/13, 22.35 average, 6.92 economy

List A: 6 matches, 5 wickets, Best Innings – 2/26

First Class: 2 matches, 2 wickets, Best Innings – 2/127

  • First Indian and oldest player to play in the CPL.

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why BCCI Should Allow Players In Foreign Leagues? Learn From the West Indies

Pravin Tambe Major Teams

  • Indian Premier League (IPL): Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions, Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Abu Dhabi T10 League: Sindhis
  • Domestic: Mumbai, Mumbai Cricket Association XI, Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Orient Shipping

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 04/01/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

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