Taide wants to come back much stronger

HAPPY to have made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut but not satisfied with his performance, Vidarbha’s Punjab Kings opener Atharva Taide wants to come back much stronger in next edition of the most popular Twenty20 league in the world. Even after a couple of poor outings at the start, the franchise showed trust in the southpaw’s ability and Taide proved them right with a couple of half-centuries in the next games. After having tasted success and impressed those who mattered, Taide now wants more overall development in his game and is eager to tick the boxes that were left unanswered. “I was working hard for a few years. I wanted to play IPL to showcase my talent. So obviously, making the debut was a good thing. I would like to thank the franchise, Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan, support staff and even my parents who have made many sacrifices for me.

“But at the same time, I would like to admit that I am not satisfied with my performance. Few fifties are not enough. At the end the day, a victory for the team is what matters. Your performance is counted when the team wins...a match-winning performance is more important than few fifties. I want to deliver match-winning performances on a regular basis and my main aim is to score as many runs that I can for my team. I think the road is too long and I have just started.

“For next IPL, I want much better overall development in my game on all fronts. All those boxes which according to me were left blank, I want to tick them right. I will concentrate and focus more on all aspects of the game be it batting or fielding. I want to take care of all the small things and I suppose with it, the bigger things will be automatically taken care of,” said Taide while talking to the ‘The Hitavada’ over phone from his native place Akola. Taide feels that there is no room for error in a hugely followed tournament like IPL. “There is huge pressure in IPL. Pressure of the crowd and pressure of performance. The margin of error is very small and your game is all in the open. In these situation, the one who holds the nerves better, stay calm and remains focused can only go to the next level,” remarked Taide on the difference between playing domestic tournaments with almost no attendance and in the houseful IPL games. The 36-ball 66 against Lucknow Super Giants was a much needed fifty as it came at the right time and lifted the batter’s morale.

“The 66 against LSG was stand out knock for me. As a player I needed that knock. After a couple of failures, one needs character to bounce back. When you fail, it seems that the whole world is watching you. When the team persists with you and show trust, you need to respond positively. It was important knock for both — myself and the team,” said Taide recalling that innings. Taide also got some word of advice from LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan and PBKS coach Wasim Jaffer.

“Gambhir talked on the importance of singles when the runs are not coming easily. He emphasised on cutting down on dot-ball percentage. Dhawan told me that I was batting well and should continue with my style. Jaffer asked me to analyse my own game to see how can I take my game longer to play a big knock. I will definitely work on those aspects in the coming season,” assured Taide. Taide terms playing IPL is a gateway to the Indian team. “This has been a good season for Vidarbha players. We have been around for last some years but most of us have made an impact this season. We have a lot of talent in Vidarbha. VCA is giving much thrust to white-ball cricket by holding events like the BYJU’s last year. It’s very good. In future more players from Vidarbha will get chance in IPL which I thing is a gateway to the India team,” Taide concluded. n