Aakash Chopra who is a former opening cricketer turned commentator has mentioned that he would not even consider playing a competitive cricket match even at his age of 42, unlike Pravin Tambe who is of 48 years of age. Pravin Tambe became the first Indian to feature in Caribbean Premier League in 2020. Pravin Tambe made his IPL debut at 41 and became the oldest IPL player in 2013.
The right arm leg break spinner became an overnight sensation after taking a hat-trick against KKR playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2014 even winning the purple cap after becoming highest wicket-taker till the 25th match of IPL 2014. The leg break spinner has taken 68 wickets in 62 T20 matches at an impressive average of 22.7 across the globe. He did not even play first-class cricket before appearing in IPL.
Pravin Tambe’s Feat Is Spectacular And Cannot Be Thought Of: Aakash Chopra
In 2017 Pravin Tambe was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad and before IPL 2020 he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders. But BCCI may force him not to participate for KKR as he participated for Trinbago Knight Riders in Caribbean Premier League which is against the norms laid down by the board. He made his debut on 26th August and picked up a wicket in his maiden over.
Aakash Chopra expressed these comments on his YouTube channel besides praising Pravin Tambe’s spirit and love for the game.
“Pravin Tambe is real gold. 48 years and so many more days. I will not even think about it. Forget about me, no person will think about this,”Aakash Chopra
The 42-year-old mentioned that if someone approached him to play a match, he would abstain from doing so and would rather stick to commentary.
“I am 42 years old and if someone asks me to play an entire match, I would just fold my hands and say that I would rather do commentary.”
Aakash Chopra acknowledges and respects Pravin Tambe for his performances at such an old age besides maintaining fitness levels while stressing on the point that other cricketers much younger than him have taken up roles as a mentor.
“And it is not just me. You see so many people who have become mentors of teams and they are not yet 48 years old. So, at the age of 48 you are playing cricket, Pravin Tambe you are great Sir.”
He has played 33 matches in IPL and taken 28 wickets averaging 30.46 while playing for Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions.
“He started very late but he has a huge passion for playing cricket. And cricket has also loved him, a little late, but nevertheless it happened at least.”
The former KKR player was delighted that the Mumbai leg-spinner managed to pick up a wicket in his very first and only over for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, where he played as a replacement for Sunil Narine.
“He played in place of Sunil Narine and took a wicket in his first-over itself, I think. Pravin Tambe plays for Trinbago Knight Riders, a 48-year-old guy.”
Pravin Tambe became the first Indian to play in the CPL when he turned out for the Trinbago Knight Riders against the St Lucia Zouks. He managed to dismiss the dangerous Najibullah Zadran to give his team an important breakthrough in his first and only over where he gave away 15 runs. Trinbago Knight Riders have won all the matches so far and are sitting at the top in the points table.