India’s cricketing history is filled with stories of determination, perseverance, and untapped potential. Among such tales is the incredible journey of Pravin Tambe, a leg-spinner who defied age and convention to carve a niche for himself in the world of cricket.
A Late Bloomer in Indian Cricket
Pravin Tambe’s story stands out because he made his IPL debut at the age of 41 without any prior experience in first-class cricket. Born and raised in Mumbai, Tambe spent years playing club cricket, waiting for an opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger platform. Despite the fierce competition in Indian cricket, his dedication and love for the game kept him going.
In 2013, his persistence paid off when Rajasthan Royals picked him for the IPL. At 41 years and 212 days, he became the oldest player to debut in the league’s history. Over the course of his IPL career, Tambe played 33 matches, taking 28 wickets.
Rising to Prominence in the Champions League T20
Tambe’s breakthrough moment came in the 2013 Champions League T20. He emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 12 wickets in just five matches at an astonishing average of 6.50. His performance surpassed established spinners like Sunil Narine and Ravichandran Ashwin, earning him a spot in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for the 2013-14 season.
A Memorable IPL Hat-Trick
In the 2014 IPL season, Tambe delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career. Playing against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he took three wickets in as many deliveries. However, due to a wide ball during the sequence, this unique feat is recorded as a two-ball hat-trick—a rare achievement in cricket.
Bowling to Sachin Tendulkar in 1998
Tambe’s association with cricket’s legends began long before his IPL days. In 1998, as Sachin Tendulkar prepared for a landmark Test series against Australia, Tambe was invited to bowl to him at the Brabourne Stadium. This experience, which came two years before he was named in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy probables, was a testament to his skills as a bowler.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite his late entry into professional cricket, Tambe’s career had its fair share of ups and downs. His impressive Champions League T20 performance led to his inclusion in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad, but he played only two first-class matches. Later, he became the first Indian cricketer to secure a Caribbean Premier League contract, though it required him to retire from Indian cricket.
Tambe also served as a liaison officer during matches at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, working with teams like Deccan Chargers and Pune Warriors India. Additionally, he showcased his talent in England, playing league cricket for clubs like Prescot & Odyssey, Rainford, and St Helens Recreation, amassing nearly 650 wickets and 7,500 runs.
The Biopic: Kaun Pravin Tambe
In 2022, Tambe’s inspiring journey was immortalized in a biopic titled Kaun Pravin Tambe. The film, starring Shreyas Talpade, was released on Disney+ Hotstar, bringing his story to a wider audience and celebrating his unwavering passion for the game.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Pravin Tambe’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the belief that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams. From bowling to Sachin Tendulkar as a club cricketer to becoming an IPL sensation and starring in a biopic, Tambe’s life is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers and dreamers alike.
