Cricket Interview at the iSport Cricket Paddock: India-born Kenyan Cricketer Tanmay Mishra is in dialogue with the iSport Cricket Paddock. He has been heavily involved in the recent revival of Kenyan cricket. Having made his cricket debut as a member of the national under-15 team in 2001, he is also the recipient of Kenya's Sportsman-of-the-Year award. Our iSporter Saurabh Joshi caught up with him while he was in India.
Saurabh@iSport: How and when did you get interested in the game of cricket?
Tanmay: To be very honest, Football was my first love. But I was always passionate about cricket. My father and brother were sports enthusiasts and always encouraged me in taking up cricket. That’s when I started playing. I was 13 years old and played for Rurarka Sports Club in Nairobi. I performed well and within 2 months I was selected in the Kenya U/15 team.
Saurabh@iSport: That’s great! What was the feeling when you were picked in the national squad? That too at the highest level?
Tanmay: I was scoring runs in the domestic season and I had been given some feelers that I may make it in the team against Zimbabwe in 2006. However, when I actually received the call from the Board confirming my selection I was just ecstatic and very excited! The thrill that you feel when you play at the highest level made me the happiest! A dream come true!
Saurabh@iSport: What happened to Kenya post 2003 World Cup semifinals? Why do you think Kenyan cricket is struggling post the Odumbe's and the Tikolo’s? Do you think there any chances of revival?
Tanmay: The year 2003 was a great high and the hopes of making it big in International cricket was on the cards. But there were rumors around Board’s functioning that took a long time before everything got back on track. Also England during their summer invites players / teams from Ireland, Netherland, Denmark etc. to play practice matches with the county sides. Unfortunately we weren’t that lucky to be invited regularly by South Africa or Zimbabwe. Hence, not too much cricket was played by Cricket Kenya thereby leading to youngsters pursuing careers elsewhere. It’s tough to keep everybody motivated about the sport on a consistent basis. But there is no doubt that there are a few of them who are focused on the game and the future definitely looks bright. I feel playing more matches throughout the year will help the cause.
Saurabh@iSport: What prompted you to come back to India for education when you were maturing as a cricketer at the international level?
Tanmay: It was a difficult to take a break especially when I was nearing my peak as a batsman. However I feel that education is always important and I had to complete it keeping in mind my future. It was a tough decision to make but at the same time I knew that it was the right age and time to do so.
Saurabh@iSport: Are you going back to play for Kenya again? Are you looking forward to the 2011 World Cup?
Tanmay: Most definitely going back! I have taken a break to complete my education. I would love to play for Kenya if given a chance again. World Cup is always a special occasion and we have invariably created an upset in every World Cup.
Saurabh@iSport: What kind of guidance did you get from the coaches you trained under?
Tanmay: I trained under coach Roger Harper and coach Mudassar Nazar and both have been of great help! All of them are easy to approach and always give the right advice. Coach Mudassar Nazar helped me a lot in terms of working on the finer points on the batting front. I could feel the change and it helped me take my confidence as a player to a different level. Coach Roger Harper was inspirational and would always motivate me to work hard. He added a great value to my fielding skills. The advantage I had by talking to coaches who are such big names is that they bring in abundant experience. Just by talking to them the learning is immeasurable.
Saurabh@iSport: After such training how did u prepare for your game?
Tanmay: My preparations for the game are simple. Just concentrating and having focus does a world of good. Whenever I am on the field especially while playing against big teams and names I keep my mind clear and stay focused at all times.
Tanmay: To be very honest, Football was my first love. But I was always passionate about cricket. My father and brother were sports enthusiasts and always encouraged me in taking up cricket. That’s when I started playing. I was 13 years old and played for Rurarka Sports Club in Nairobi. I performed well and within 2 months I was selected in the Kenya U/15 team.
Saurabh@iSport: That’s great! What was the feeling when you were picked in the national squad? That too at the highest level?
Tanmay: I was scoring runs in the domestic season and I had been given some feelers that I may make it in the team against Zimbabwe in 2006. However, when I actually received the call from the Board confirming my selection I was just ecstatic and very excited! The thrill that you feel when you play at the highest level made me the happiest! A dream come true!
Saurabh@iSport: What happened to Kenya post 2003 World Cup semifinals? Why do you think Kenyan cricket is struggling post the Odumbe's and the Tikolo’s? Do you think there any chances of revival?
Tanmay: The year 2003 was a great high and the hopes of making it big in International cricket was on the cards. But there were rumors around Board’s functioning that took a long time before everything got back on track. Also England during their summer invites players / teams from Ireland, Netherland, Denmark etc. to play practice matches with the county sides. Unfortunately we weren’t that lucky to be invited regularly by South Africa or Zimbabwe. Hence, not too much cricket was played by Cricket Kenya thereby leading to youngsters pursuing careers elsewhere. It’s tough to keep everybody motivated about the sport on a consistent basis. But there is no doubt that there are a few of them who are focused on the game and the future definitely looks bright. I feel playing more matches throughout the year will help the cause.
Saurabh@iSport: What prompted you to come back to India for education when you were maturing as a cricketer at the international level?
Tanmay: It was a difficult to take a break especially when I was nearing my peak as a batsman. However I feel that education is always important and I had to complete it keeping in mind my future. It was a tough decision to make but at the same time I knew that it was the right age and time to do so.
Saurabh@iSport: Are you going back to play for Kenya again? Are you looking forward to the 2011 World Cup?
Tanmay: Most definitely going back! I have taken a break to complete my education. I would love to play for Kenya if given a chance again. World Cup is always a special occasion and we have invariably created an upset in every World Cup.
Saurabh@iSport: What kind of guidance did you get from the coaches you trained under?
Tanmay: I trained under coach Roger Harper and coach Mudassar Nazar and both have been of great help! All of them are easy to approach and always give the right advice. Coach Mudassar Nazar helped me a lot in terms of working on the finer points on the batting front. I could feel the change and it helped me take my confidence as a player to a different level. Coach Roger Harper was inspirational and would always motivate me to work hard. He added a great value to my fielding skills. The advantage I had by talking to coaches who are such big names is that they bring in abundant experience. Just by talking to them the learning is immeasurable.
Saurabh@iSport: After such training how did u prepare for your game?
Tanmay: My preparations for the game are simple. Just concentrating and having focus does a world of good. Whenever I am on the field especially while playing against big teams and names I keep my mind clear and stay focused at all times.
Saurabh@iSport: Did playing in England’s domestic circuit ever cross your mind?
Tanmay: I did have first level talks with a county but the schedules were clashing with ICC’s associate league matches and hence I decided not to take it forward.
Saurabh@iSport: Have you played cricket while in India?
Tanmay: Yes. Very much! I have been playing for the Young Momedian Club and have played various club tournaments this year. I have been playing with other professional players from Maharashtra as well. I had always heard how cricket crazy Mumbai is, but got first hand experience when I played here at Azad Maidan and Cross Maidan.
Saurabh@iSport: Yes Mumbai is a cricket crazy city and each fan has his idol and favourite.Who would you say is your cricketing idol?
Tanmay: Sachin Tendulkar. It is simply a pleasure to watch him bat. It is both fun and learning to watch Gayle and Sehwag bat too.
Saurabh@iSport: Who is the toughest bowler that you have faced?
Tanmay: Fidel Edwards. I faced him in a practice game before the World Cup and he was fast and ferocious. Although it was a huge challenge facing him, I am glad I did not throw my wicket away.
Saurabh@iSport: Does the IPL excite you? Has anybody approached you?
Tanmay: IPL definitely excites me. The first 2 seasons were a treat! It was amazing to see the greatest names in cricket adapting to a shorter version of the game. In the last 2 editions there haven’t been any players from associate countries playing the IPL. As a player from an associate nation it becomes very difficult to get noticed. However, I will concentrate on my performance and God willing will get a chance!
Saurabh@iSport: Tell us your strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Tanmay: I would say my biggest strength is the belief in my abilities. Whenever I go out to bat, I go with a clear mind and trust my instincts. My coaches have always encouraged me to continue with that and this has helped me. As far as my weakness is concerned, I would say I need to be more mature in terms of short selection. I am working towards it and hopefully will overcome the problem.
Saurabh@iSport: Have you played cricket while in India?
Tanmay: Yes. Very much! I have been playing for the Young Momedian Club and have played various club tournaments this year. I have been playing with other professional players from Maharashtra as well. I had always heard how cricket crazy Mumbai is, but got first hand experience when I played here at Azad Maidan and Cross Maidan.
Saurabh@iSport: Yes Mumbai is a cricket crazy city and each fan has his idol and favourite.Who would you say is your cricketing idol?
Tanmay: Sachin Tendulkar. It is simply a pleasure to watch him bat. It is both fun and learning to watch Gayle and Sehwag bat too.
Saurabh@iSport: Who is the toughest bowler that you have faced?
Tanmay: Fidel Edwards. I faced him in a practice game before the World Cup and he was fast and ferocious. Although it was a huge challenge facing him, I am glad I did not throw my wicket away.
Saurabh@iSport: Does the IPL excite you? Has anybody approached you?
Tanmay: IPL definitely excites me. The first 2 seasons were a treat! It was amazing to see the greatest names in cricket adapting to a shorter version of the game. In the last 2 editions there haven’t been any players from associate countries playing the IPL. As a player from an associate nation it becomes very difficult to get noticed. However, I will concentrate on my performance and God willing will get a chance!
Saurabh@iSport: Tell us your strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Tanmay: I would say my biggest strength is the belief in my abilities. Whenever I go out to bat, I go with a clear mind and trust my instincts. My coaches have always encouraged me to continue with that and this has helped me. As far as my weakness is concerned, I would say I need to be more mature in terms of short selection. I am working towards it and hopefully will overcome the problem.
Saurabh@iSport: A win [or a moment] that has proved to be the most memorable one?
Tanmay: In 2007, it was a must win game against Canada for us to qualify for the 2007 World Cup. We were down to 80-4 when I stepped in and scored a match winning 68. My partnership with Collins Obuya turned out to be a defining moment in the match. Post the match coach Roger Harper gave me a pat on by back and said “You don’t know what you have done for Kenya Cricket today”. Those words are extremely special and I’ll never forget them!
Saurabh@iSport: Tell us, what you think is important for a player success/fame/ or playing the game in the right spirit?
Tanmay: to answer that in one short line I feel that, if you look after the game the game will definitely look after you.
Saurabh@iSport: Any tips that you follow religiously to better your game?
Tanmay: My father is my biggest inspiration and also my biggest critic. So all the advice coming from him is valuable and I treasure his every golden word. His support has helped me become the person I am today.
Saurabh@iSport: Lastly your message for our iSport readers and fans?
Tanmay: The amount of good articles posted shows the passion for various sports by fans. Continue the passion and keep it going!
Tanmay: In 2007, it was a must win game against Canada for us to qualify for the 2007 World Cup. We were down to 80-4 when I stepped in and scored a match winning 68. My partnership with Collins Obuya turned out to be a defining moment in the match. Post the match coach Roger Harper gave me a pat on by back and said “You don’t know what you have done for Kenya Cricket today”. Those words are extremely special and I’ll never forget them!
Saurabh@iSport: Tell us, what you think is important for a player success/fame/ or playing the game in the right spirit?
Tanmay: to answer that in one short line I feel that, if you look after the game the game will definitely look after you.
Saurabh@iSport: Any tips that you follow religiously to better your game?
Tanmay: My father is my biggest inspiration and also my biggest critic. So all the advice coming from him is valuable and I treasure his every golden word. His support has helped me become the person I am today.
Saurabh@iSport: Lastly your message for our iSport readers and fans?
Tanmay: The amount of good articles posted shows the passion for various sports by fans. Continue the passion and keep it going!
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job doe Saurabh.... 
a guest
said:
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... lovely interview saurabh i am sure you must have enjoyed being a part of this tanmay best of luck for your future bro keep playing the same way best wishes to both pratik gandhi |
a guest
said:
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... Gr8 work.......So one more face of u emerges........A Journalist......I am really proud of u..... I also say "Continue the passion and keep it going! " Pankaj |
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