India’s domestic cricket has always been a robust system, serving the national team well in providing a platform and a stepping stone into international cricket. However, in a cricket crazy country like India, the competition is always fierce and it requires a combination of hard work, talent, luck and other factors to make it into the highest level.
In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, domestic cricketer Bravish Shetty speaks about his journey so far, the most memorable moments in his career, his advice to aspiring young cricketers, playing for Mumbai and Tripura, cricketing idols and future goals.
Q 1) Tell us about your cricketing journey so far, when did you begin playing the sport and what made you pursue it professionally?
I started playing cricket at the age of 6. My dad coached me till the age of 14 and I played my first official cricket tournament at the age of 9 in an U-14 tournament held by the Vengsarkar academy. There I received a special award for my performances and from there on my professional cricketing journey began.
Q 2) What are some of your most memorable moments in your career so far and why?
Making my Ranji trophy debut for Mumbai and getting the debut cap from Wasim Jaffer has been the most memorable day in my cricketing career so far. Playing for Mumbai was a dream of mine and finally getting to do it was just surreal.
Q 3) As one of the senior players, what advice would you give to a youngster making his List A and First Class debut?
Just back your abilities and go and express yourself. Preparation has to be the key factor in honing your skills that is where you gain the confidence in your abilities. Growth mindset is the key and then just go out there and express yourself. Success lies in the way you prepare.
Also read: My ultimate aim is to play for India and the IPL – Indian cricketer Akhil Rajput
Q 4) How different was the experience of playing for Mumbai and then for Tripura in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
To be very honest there isn't much difference. Playing for Mumbai has been my dream ever since I started playing cricket. While playing for both Mumbai and Tripura the desire to play for India has been the same and will always remain the same. My preparation and my goals remained constant.
Q 5) Who were some of your cricketing influences and idols in your childhood and why?
Watching Sachin Tendulkar Sir play for India on television is what inspired me to play the sport. Later on when Yuvraj Singh came on to the international scene, I became a big Yuvi fan. His batting and especially his bat flow was very pleasing to the eye. I tried to copy and bat like him.
Q 6) What are your future goals and ambitions? How do you plan to accomplish them?
I’m trying to break into the Mumbai team again and playing in the IPL is what I dream of as well. I have to keep working hard, performing and trusting the process. These are the only things I have control over and I will continue doing so.
