I never see the wicket and bowl: Tambe

Pravin Tambe is living a fairytale. In a span of about two weeks, from an unknown species, he has make waves and created serious headlines. He, through his sheer dedication, hardwork and commitment, has made the world take attention of him! Tambe is the leading wicket taker in the World T20 League with 10 wickets from 4 matches. Coupled to his tally of wickets, is his astonishing economy rate of 3.93. Tambe was instrumental in Rajasthan's victory over the mighty Chennai in the semi-finals and has now set his eyes on the one and only - the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar, should Mumbai make it to the final. In an interview to the website CLT20.com, Tambe said it was his dream to bowl to Tendulkar and he would give it his best as he attempts to get the better of the Indian maestro. "Everyone dreams of bowling to the Master. And it is my wish to take his wicket; now let's see what happens." He added that Rajasthan were confident of beating any one and did not really have a preference between Trinidad and Tobago and Mumbai. "We have not thought about that. We believe that we can win and we will play the final with the same belief," said Tambe. Tambe was successful at the seamer-friendly Sawai Man Singh wicket - the home ground for the Rajasthan Royals. He stated that bowling the right areas and a disciplined line and length were the key to his success. "This is our home turf so we all know this wicket. And I knew that spin won't get help, the ball won't turn, so we have to keep bowling in the areas, which are difficult to hit. And I was trying to keep it tight that is why I was getting wickets." Tambe added that variations in pace and length were essential in keeping the batsmen in check. He stated that it was paramount that a bowler did not give the batsmen any room to swing their bat. "You should not let the batsman swing the bat. If the batsman gets to swing the bat, then definitely in this format you will be hit for fours and sixes. So keep varying the length and keep confusing them. You read the wicket and keep hitting those areas where one can't hit; sometimes at a slow pace, sometimes a little fast. That is what I have been doing and that is what I will keep doing." Tambe added that he wasn't overawed by the 'big names' in the opposition and focused on the basics. "I don't do anything different. I want to stick to my basics and I do not rate the batsmen as a big player or anything. I bowl to my strengths. I read the batsmen, what they expect and then vary my pace accordingly," stated Tambe. When asked on how important it was to have runs on the board in an important clash, Tambe said having a good total to defend is a boon for the bowlers. "Having runs on the board is important, but I feel that chasing is always difficult. If you get good wickets or if there is one good over bowled, you can come back into the game. And we believe that we can come back into the game anytime and we have that faith, always," He said that the flipper was his stock delivery but he also had other variations like the googly and the slider. Tambe had an interesting answer when asked whether he was looking forward to bowling at the spinner-friendly Kotla wicket in Delhi. "I never see the wicket and bowl. Whether the wicket is turning or it is flat, I bowl to my strengths. I focus and practice where I have to bowl." He added that the key to success in the shortest version of the game was to contain the batsmen and stop them from scoring the boundaries. "You have to try and ensure that you don't get hit for fours or sixes and if you do that well, then you will keep getting wickets as well," quoted Tambe. Tambe said that his team did not have any special plans for the final and would rely on their strengths. "We will do what we have been doing and not try to do anything different in the final. And we will win it." Tambe stated that his motivation was his love and passion for cricket and thanked the Rajasthan team management for giving him the required support. "I love this game so much that I haven't thought of anything else. All I want to do is keep playing cricket and that's what I am going to keep doing. I have received a lot of support from this team. Everyone, the coach (Paddy Upton), Monty Desai, Zubin Bharucha, Rahul Bhai (Dravid), has been very supportive. They keep telling me that bowl well and you will do well."