There’re the times when things would turn in your way. And there are equally certain moments when it would totally go wrong. To maintain it to some extent takes a lot of effort and commitment—either from an amateur or the professional. In both ways, one should learn to relish like Shreevats Goswami, who feels there is a lot in the introspection. His story is one of a kind in the field of sports.
The figures won’t demonstrate much. But it judiciously matters to crack the code of different traits and in between lies Goswami himself.
He will surely be among the ones who didn’t bog down—to go off the radar. With his chin up, he is giving his best for the possible contention.
But as usual, apart from the hard work, the luck plays its role too.
From rubbing shoulders with the then-teenage sensation Virat Kohli—to the first half-century in a domestic professional league in 2008, before experiencing a full-blown kiss in 2011 from none other than Bollywood sensation and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan, Goswami had his moments and glimpses to look back empathetically, proudly owing to his very own cricketing landscape.
Having the courage to see life beyond regrets following setbacks, Goswami strives for principles—to expand his opportunities in the gentleman’s game, cricket. He bolsters his game with sheer routine and practice without fail.
Goswami is a bloke who earned praises on his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) half-century. Eventually, Goswami had gone through a rough time, but his composure had instilled confidence in him—to return stronger than before.
The famed American basketball player Michael Jeffrey Jordan once said: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
The similar assertion is apt for Goswami, who literally seeks refuge in cricket. Then, there is something to focus on. And then to target upon, before immersing into the philosophy of ways to handle—to enter into a glorious phase.
However, failures at one point in time lead you to the revolution. So, such has been the phase for cricketers in particular.
Neither is he a pantomime villain.
The 29-year-old Kolkata-born southpaw Shreevats, who is concurrently the part of former IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) wanted to emulate legendary Adam Gilchrist before he met South African star, Mark Boucher.
So much so, Goswami was in awe of the work ethics of Boucher before singing praises for former Proteas gloveman.
With his confidence level high, Goswami has been nursing himself—to stand out as one of the products of Indian’s premium domestic set-up.
The successful professional domestic league might be a story of the inflated cheques to those who have had failed to deliver. But at the same time, it has ignited the hopes of youngsters to eye for the stardom.
Ideally, in such a mode the conditions are always challenging. You’re supposed to trust yourself before acclimatising to the situation and rely solely on to yield desired results while believing in your wide array of shots; this has been a key to success of high-calibre batsmen of one generation to another.
Take a note or walk down through the alley to ask yourself a question; has batting always been too hard, smooth or too complicated?
Anyway, take a brief pause and then sip a coffee or gulp down a glass of juice, and watch how Virat Kohli made batting look ridiculously easy. And there are many like Goswami who aim of following already a star Kohli.
Well, on the individual basis, Goswami has taken a lot in his stride and has an appetite to make it big. He has embraced the fact to keep on performing until he could achieve something.
While represented Bengal in the first-class cricket, Goswami made his debut in November 2008 against Madhya Pradesh. His first-class cricket debut came six months prior to his List A debut against Delhi at Visakhapatnam in April 2008.
Goswami’s IPL stint is more of a microcosm of his cricketing CV. His methods reward him more what he could expect and at times left him dismayed, but he tends to believe there is another day to cash in on the opportunity.
To talk about his IPL career briefly, Goswami represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first three editions between 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. KKR availed his services in the fourth edition.
However, in 2012, he featured for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the fifth edition—to play most games in season 2012. After that, he was the part of the squad but don’t feature in any of the games.
In 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad Hyderabad (SRH) availed Goswami’s services for INR one crore. Overall, Goswami has represented four different IPL teams since the inception of the tournament in 2008.
Besides, in 29 IPL matches, Goswami has recorded 293 runs at an average of 16.27. He has a solitary fifty to his name. Behind the wickets, Goswami has claimed 16 catches and affected seven stumpings.
In IPL, this year is another opportunity. He could be the nucleus for the Kane Williamson-led SRH.
Well, in September 2017, he has featured in a practice game against Steven Smith-led Australia for Board President’s XI. It eventually paved the way for him in India A team to face New Zealand A.
Call it the quiet journey or whatever you would prefer to call it, Goswami is natural in his approach and not intimidated. Such has been his odyssey.
In this interview for Sportzwiki.com, Shreevats Goswami talks about his journey, domestic experience, opportunities, challenges, prominence of the IPL, what kept on motivating him and preparations while prioritising—to focus on his fitness before eyeing a comeback in the national fold.
In Conversation with Shreevats Goswami
Excerpts from an interview:
TIM: First and foremost, how you see India’s historic Test series win over Australia in Australia after 71 years? Also, what makes Virat Kohli best in the business?
SG: Well it’s a massive victory of course given that Indian team has been touring Australia-for years now and hasn’t managed to win a series in spite of some great cricketers being a part of those sides.
This side has achieved what other teams couldn’t. The bowlers especially have been incredible, and the credit must go to them a lot more. Virat [Kohli’s] consistency makes him the greatest of all time now. The guy doesn’t fail at all which is a rare breed in sports.
TIM: Coming to one of the successful T20 campaigns and apart from the time off, talk us through about the IPL comeback in 2018 for a fresh franchise and that too after prolonged gap (six) years and making it to the grand finale, how was the feeling and at the same time how SRH camp reacted after losing the final against CSK?
SG: It’s actually after three years, not six. I last played for RR in 2015. Yes, the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was a game changer for me. I was batting and keeping quite well in that tournament. It gets difficult for a domestic player to make a comeback once you are out of IPL.
The only way you can get back is to score a lot of runs and get back into the reckoning.
I wasn’t really frustrated when I didn’t play. Because I knew I hadn’t done much to get into a team, therefore I was more concerned on the way forward and how to work myself up and get back to scoring runs to deserve a place, when I did get picked up by SRH, I was really happy and excited to get back in to the big tournament. SRH is a fantastic franchise, the best I have been part of. It’s like a family there.
We had a great run until the final, but one innings from Shane Watson proved costly for us as he took the game away from us single-handedly. We were disappointed but equally proud of everyone in the team. The management, coach and everyone involved with the team were equally impressive of us and our journey, and we all left on a happy note.
TIM: How it feels to watch cricket for what you have given sweat and blood on the sidelines. Let’s suppose IPL as an example!
SG: Well, it depends on how you see it. If you watch and sulk over it, you are going to crib, and that is not the right mindset to have.
Yes, sometimes I did feel and wished I could have been there playing instead of watching, but you have to accept the reality and instead work hard and get inspired to reach there, that’s the mindset you have to have, and that’s how sports work. There is no time for sentiments.
TIM: Are you excited for the upcoming edition of the IPL? What about your preparations and expectations for the twelfth edition of the domestic professional league? How you see the challenges and are you working on any specific areas?
SG: Yes, excited and looking forward to joining the team and start the preparation and get going. Syed Mushtaq Ali would be a good preparation before the IPL, playing quality cricket before a big tournament always helps, not like domestic t20 is a small tournament, so that’s where the preparation starts.
As a team and as a player there will be new challenges, other teams will come more prepared and so will we.
TIM: How is it to play with the stars like Kane Williamson and David Warner? What do you think about Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chances this time around?
SG: I haven’t got the chance to play with David Warner, will do this. However, Kane Williamson is an absolute gentleman and a top player, a true leader in every sense. Very calm and composed under pressure and terrific team man. There’s a lot to learn from him.
Well, I would say we are the best team and confident of lifting the trophy, that is the attitude I am sure we will have while going to the tournament.
Yes, we have to respect other teams too, but we have to have the mindset that we are the best as I am sure all the players in the team works in the same direction.
TIM: On a larger scale, how you see the inception of IPL for the pool of talented youngsters. Since the domestic circuit has delivered well, and above all, it has been result-oriented. How do you see the first-class structure?
SG: Well IPL or Twenty20 cricket has changed the game a lot. Cricket itself has changed over the years. It has made players, especially youngsters fearless and there isn’t much crowd or dressing room pressure, so once the young players go and play for their country, they don’t feel out of place since they have already played against the same players for their franchise.
Also, domestic cricket has seen plenty of outright wins in recent times. The first class structure in India right now is very competitive, and it’s best if you compare it to other countries.
TIM: What you are working on – to return stronger. For the first two IPL seasons, your batting average was over 25. However, it didn’t go well after that what you could have had done better. So far, you’ve had represented four IPL franchises what your take on it is?
SG: Well I am working hard on my fitness which is an ongoing process till the time you play this game. Skill wise too.
I am working on it and trying to improve my skills with each session, watch the game on TV and observe and learn which is feel is an important aspect.
Averages in T20 are difficult to maintain so you always have this up and down lines, and one doesn’t play for average when it comes to Twenty20. It’s about what your team demands at that particular time.
All the franchise I have been a part of were extremely supportive and professions although my best time has been for SRH. Previously, I enjoyed playing for RCB too, but SRH has been the best experience so far.
TIM: How are you shaping up yourself since you’re not India A regular? So you have set sights on, to make it to the national team since the competition for spots has grown far and wide and how important it is as a player to perform in such widely-acclaimed leagues like IPL
SG: It’s about having patience like I said before cricket has changed and so as the selection criteria. A lot of players age 19-20 have been fast-tracked to the next level, that’s how the selectors see it.
So for me, the only way forward is to score heaps of runs in domestic cricket and get back in the reckoning.
See, performing in IPL is an advantage since you play international bowlers regularly and franchise owners don’t see your age. If you are good enough, you are picked.
Financially, IPL has helped plenty of cricketers around the world including me, so there is a reward if you perform even if you miss the bus playing for your country, you know there is IPL, and you can make it big.
TIM: In the recent past, you also represented Board President XI how you took that in your stride. Of late, your form hasn’t been on those expected lines what you have had expected how you cope up in with ups and down?
SG: Yes, I played a game against Australia, and it went well. Having made only 43, I was the highest scorer in that team. Unfortunately, after two India A games, I wasn’t picked up later.
My one record I felt has always been very good only until this year in Vijay Hazare I didn’t do well, apart from that my white-ball record has always been good as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Of late my, Ranji form hasn’t been great, yet I am working hard on it and hoping to improve my record soon.
Well, ups and downs are part of sports, the best thing about playing a sport is you learn how to deal with success and failure, it’s a great leveller.
I am happy how I have dealt with failure. Sometimes I do push myself deep down when I don’t do well, but the game demands you to rise and keep working hard. That’s the kind of attitude I have. You have to show up, work hard and keep persevering.
TIM: Since you’ve been emulating legendary Adam Gilchrist as a wicketkeeper-batsman had you got time to meet him up for the tidbits. If so, what was his suggestion? Also, you’ve been following Wriddhiman Saha on the close quarters how you were a job of a gloveman?
SG: I have played against Adam Gilchrist. But I never got the chance to meet him one on one and speak to him about the game. Though I am lucky enough to share the dressing room with Mark Boucher whom I used to admire a lot, he has helped me a lot on wicket-keeping during my time at RCB. And I will forever be grateful for the time spent with him.
Saha is a top keeper and one of India’s best if not the best, he is highly rated and deservingly so.
TIM: Also, shed light on your successful 2008 Under-19 stint in Malaysia where you played a quintessential role for the young brigade?
SG: Under-19 was an excellent time for all of us. Well, winning the World Cup in Malaysia was the best thing to happen to us at that age.
There wasn’t so much of social media buzz back then. I am sure if we had done it in this day and age, things would have been far different. But again, no complaints at all. I was happy to contribute in a few games in the 2008 World Cup.
TIM: Whom you admired while growing up as a cricketer. And who is that fast bowler you found very tough to face during your professional cricket and why?
SG: I use to look up to Adam Gilchrist and later when I met Mark Boucher. I admired his work and the way he helped me. Also, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been a real inspiration. Some so many players inspire you, so it’s difficult to pick one name.
TIM: Before signing off, looking back whatever cricket you have had played so far – recall your most satisfying innings which eventually stands at the top?
SG: I have been playing for a long time, so it’s difficult to single out one inning. I would say the 225* against MP in Ranji Trophy was my best.
Also, 110* against Odisha on a green track with the white-ball was one of my best innings.
My IPL 50 on my debut was exclusive too. Also, there are a couple of innings I have played for my club happened to be quite special.