Meet Mumbai Indians talented wicketkeeper-batsman Aditya Tare
Despite varying styles, wicketkeepers world over share a common trait which is difficult to miss. Always chirpy and witty, the men behind the stumps are livewires on the field. Mumbai wicketkeeper-batsman Aditya Tare is yet to master the ‘art of mental disintegration’ that his predecessors were known for, but what the young gun does have is inner belief and mental toughness.
The lad who started his career as a football player at the age of 14, switched to India’s favourite game. His unhurried approach off the field also has lot to do with his hobbies. Like cricket, Tare is equally passionate about football and is a die-hard Arsenal supporter. He follows every Arsenal match and hopes to see the Gunners in action one day. “I love Arsenal. It’s a fan’s dream to play for them but since that is impossible, I follow them and feel involved in their journey. I want to feel the atmosphere and see the boys play at Emirates Stadium,” he explains. It comes as no surprise that on PS2 too, he is hooked on to FIFA 2014 making sure Arsenal win. “I am confident of at least one trophy this year. The team is going steady in the EPL and are also in the semis of FA Cup.” Tare’s Twitter handle too has a profile picture of his favourite club. “I am not too expressive like others on social media but Twitter is a medium I enjoy. It allows me to interact with fans and other like-minded people.”
Though not much of a foodie, he loves his home-cooked food. “I love the food cooked by my aunt. In my house, we always have a fish preparation as I love fish curry and chicken curry,” says the lad who is from the fishermen community. Not much of a cook, Tare would love to try his hand at cooking.
With cricket offering opportunities to visit different countries and experience different conditions, Tare wishes to play at the historic MCG in Australia which hosted the first international Test match. This inherent confidence helped him fill the big boots of Sachin Tendulkar when the Master Blaster was injured during IPL-6 before Mumbai Indians’ final home match against Rajasthan Royals. Tare proved he was ready by responding with a match winning 59 off 37 balls.
“It was a big jolt when we came to know that Sachin Sir won’t be available but at the same time, I had to step up. Everyone gave me confidence and when I returned after the innings, everyone applauded the effort which was satisfying,” recalled Tare.
Tare feels that he knew his time would come and though he had to wait long, he never gave up. “It was after two years that I got into the playing XI for Mumbai Indians again. I tried my best to be patient and kept working on my skills. Anil Kumble (team mentor) once saw me in the gym and told me to keep working hard and you will get to play. Those words encouraged me a lot,” he recalls.
The Mumbai Indians team-management showed faith by buying him back with a handsome bid of '1.60 crore at the auctions. Already a millionaire at 26, Tare has managed to keep his feet on the ground. “I must thank God for being kind. I was nervous before the auction, but that was only because I wanted to play in the IPL. Money is not a factor when you get an opportunity to learn and play with legends.”
With the IPL-7 not too far away, Tare is concentrating on his fitness. The upcoming season will also see a new look team sans Tendulkar, who retired in November. “It saddens me when I think that Sachin Sir won’t be in the dressing room anymore. His presence lifts our morale and also puts the opposition on the back foot. We will probably see him in a new role, but he will always be a part of the Mumbai dressing room.”
