I treat every game as my last game: Pravin Tambe

Pravin Tambe, the Gujarat Lions’ age-less cricketer, defied the odds when he made his IPL debut at the age of 41. The veteran leg-spinner has since then not shown signs of slowing down and plays with same child-like enthusiasm.

Tambe, aged 44 years and 200 days, is the second-oldest cricketer playing in the IPL and is just eight months younger to the 45-year-old Brad Hogg who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders.  Playing his fourth edition of IPL, not much has changed for the cricketer who seems to have reversed the aging process. The leg-spinner spoke exclusively to TOI.

“I treat every game as my last game,” Tambe said simply.

“I am playing for big teams. I don’t want to let them down due to my age. I aim to give 100 per cent in all three departments of the game, every time.”

The tireless format of the T20 requires cricketers to be fit for the grueling time on and off the field. Tambe, in order to keep up with the younger lot, has made a few changes in his diet in the past three years.

“I have cut down on carbs and added protein in my diet. I have limited rice and vada pao intake. But I do cheat once in a while, I can’t quit vada pao,” Tambe, a true Mumbaikar, disclosed.

However, Tambe’s biggest fitness mantra is to play as much as he can to keep himself in shape.

“I don’t skip a single match. All week long, either I play for my club or my employer to keep myself up to the mark. When not on field, I hit the gym,” he disclosed.

Tambe has played cricket with pride and the veteran leg-spinner says that the day he feels that he can’t perform well, he’ll quit his first love.

“So far I am doing the job for my team and enjoying my game. The moment I feel I am not performing, I will quit,” he said.