Mumbai boy SWAPNIl PATIl has played a lot of cricket in and for Mumbai, being in the under under-14, under-19 and under-22 teams. He cherishes the fact that he was once briefly even in the Ranji squad under Sachin Tendulkar but that's about all he could do with Indian cricket. Not finding a place at the higher level of Indian cricket, he was persuaded by his father to take up a job with a construction company in Dubai and he has been there for the past five years, working as a salesman but, more importantly, playing cricket for their domestic team. It was a surprise call from the UAE association that he has come into the official team as wicket keeper batsman, having spent five years in Dubai as a regular.
Tomorrow, he will be meeting long-time friends turned stars Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma from the opposite side of the team even as his Mumbai-based family would be rooting for India but wishing him and his team a good run.
MEENAKSHI RAO spoke with the young cricketer after he arrived from Brisbane in Perth. Excerpts of the chat:
How did you make your way into the UAE teamIJ
I came to Dubai from Mumbai to play cricket and later on got a job. I joined a construction company as a salesperson and they were very supportive of my cricket. They are one of the top teams in domestic cricket in Dubai.
You will be playing against India in this World Cup. How does it feelIJ
It is an honour to play against India and I cannot express my feelings of happiness.
You used to play from Mumbai. Do you know or have any friends in the present Indian team and have you met up with them in PerthIJ
No haven't met with any one yet, but Ajinkya was my cricketing friend and we enjoyed playing together in my younger days in Mumbai.
Where is your familyIJ And who will they be rooting for on February 28... India or UAEIJ
My family is in Mumbai and they will be rooting for me to do well against such a great team like India.
Tell us more about who all are there in your family and if anyone was supportive of you joining UAE teamIJ
My parents, my brothers and my wife live in Mumbai. My father was instrumental in sending me to Dubai and he was very supportive as far as cricket was concerned.
What is your assessment of your teamIJ Do you float ideas etc for the betterment of the teamIJ
I have been playing for UAE for the past 5 years and now they look up to me as a senior. The UAE is well balanced team and on a given day, we can surprise good oppositions.
The UAE has just started teaming up for cricket. Do you see a bigger role for yourself in the futureIJ
We have a few youngsters coming up and they need guidance and support and I will be more than happy to develop their cricket.
Did you ever think you would be playing a World Cup, that too from another teamIJ
I had a dream to play in the World Cup once I landed in Dubai. We have four different nationalities playing together as a team and that brings out the best out of us.