I- Tell us about your childhood and family upbringing
A- I was born in Sangli but brought up at Jaysingpur in Maharashtra. I did most of my school education in Jaysingpur. I had a great interest in cricket since childhood and used to play cricket with my sister. My father encouraged and supported me to play cricket.
Then, I shifted to Kolhapur for better opportunities and then in 2007, I shifted to Pune at the age of 12.
I- Your journey in entering Mumbai Cricket Team
A- Due to lack of opportunities in Pune, I decided to move Mumbai in 2008 to improve my cricketing skills. I participated in U-13 cricket trails and was selected to play for Mumbai. Subsequently, I appeared for U-16 trails and U-19 trails, and got selected for 2012 U-19 World Cup held in Australia. This is how I made into the world of cricket as a professional cricketer.
I- Your debut match for Mumbai Cricket Team
A- I debuted for Mumbai in 2011. It was a humble experience as I scored only 11 runs. Mumbai won by an innings but there was a lot to learn from the dressing room after Suryakumar Yadav scored 200 runs in that match.
I- Your highs while playing for Mumbai
A- My highs were 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season, where I made 879 runs. I was the 2nd highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy that season. I am quite grateful that my contribution helped in winning Mumbai their 41st Ranji Trophy that season.
I scored 300 runs in the 2015-16 Vijay Hazare Trophy including a century (107 runs). I scored 90 runs against Rest of India in Irani Trophy for Mumbai team. So, this was the best domestic season for me till date.
I had a fruitful 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season too, scoring 467 runs in 7 matches.
I- In 2016, Delhi Daredevils offered you an IPL contract. What did they saw in you?
A- I put up my name in the IPL auction. I was confident that I will be offered an IPL contract. By God’s Grace, it happened that I was picked by Delhi Daredevils to play on the back of my good performances in 2015-16 domestic season across formats (Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Irani Trophy and SMAT).
I- Who was your biggest inspiration in IPL when you got picked up for Delhi Daredevils? Why?
A- Rahul Dravid has been my biggest inspiration during my stint as a player for Delhi Daredevils. Since he was the team mentor, there was a lot to lean from him like how to stay calm during pressure situations, how to be disciplined during training sessions and routines. He also emphasised on the importance of staying grounded after a win or a loss and to control emotions on-field.
I- Who is your favourite Cricketer? Why?
A- My favourite cricketer has been Rohit Sharma. He is very calm, bindass, and composed. Another favourite cricketer is Michael Hussey. I met him in 2016 during India-A tour and he discussed in length about how to keep calm and composed under pressure situations.
I- Who is your biggest inspiration in life? Why?
A- Dad has been my inspiration throughout. He has lot of willpower, risk taking ability amid difficulties and with good intentions he sacrificed a lot. Even my mother has been a big inspiration and motivator.
I- What prompted you to play for Chattisgarh in 2021?
A- Somewhere down the line, I wanted to play all the formats. So, I decided to move to Chattisgarh for better opportunities. I have a lot of sweet memories while playing for Mumbai. But in Chattisgarh, the cricketers look up to me as a role model as I have represented Mumbai, the cricket powerhouse in the past.
But come in 2023 domestic season, and I’m going to represent Mumbai again. It feels elated to come back to Mumbai Cricket Team.
I- Who was the most difficult bowler you have faced till date?
A- Amongst pacers, the toughest I’ve faced is Mohammed Shami. He is a very clever bowler. In 2012 U-19 World Cup, I got an opportunity to face Pat Cummins and he was very difficult to play against. Even Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn have been difficult to play against.
Amongst spinners, I would rate Ravichandran Ashwin the toughest I’ve ever faced. He is a very skilful bowler with a lot of variations, although I enjoying playing against him!
I- What is your regular diet like?
A- I’m a vegetarian. So, I have moderate food diet throughout year. I rely on proteins like spouts, paneer, eggs, mushrooms, protein shakes. I also eat fruits like Apple, Watermelon,, Banana.
I don’t eat junk food, bread and rice quantity is minimum.
I- Do you dream playing for India?
A- Yes, I still dream playing for India! It motivates me to play cricket and learn something every day. After all, what’s the better feeling than to represent Indian Cricket Team at the highest level!
Rapid Fire:
Favourite Movie: Rocky, The Pursuit of Happiness
Favourite Colour: Black
Mountains or Beaches: Mountains
Favourite food: Authentic Maharashtrian pure vegetarian thali
No. Of hours you workout everyday: 1.5 hours for 3-4 days a week
