CLT20: Kanga League player Tambe inspires Dravid & Co

Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid couldn’t hide his glee. After all the Rajasthan Royals’ 30-run win over Highveld Lions in the Champions League T20 in Jaipur on Wednesday was scripted by an inspirational teammate.

- Scorecard: Rajasthan Royals vs Highvield Lions

The 41-year-old Pravin Tambe, who’s a known name in the Kanga League, -- Mumbai’s premier local cricket competition -- recorded impressive figures of four for 15 to help the Royals to superb win.

"What a story," a visibly happy Dravid said when asked about veteran leg-spinner's performance.

"For someone who has not even got a chance to play first-class cricket and has worked hard all these years in Kanga League, it is terrific story. In the last match, it was a 18-year-old (Sanju Samson) who had won the match for us, and, today it was a 42-year-old who has done the job for us. So we have seen both ends of the spectrum," an elated Dravid said.

Dravid went on to elaborate about how he strategically used Tambe for good measure.

"There was nothing specific with the plan. The ball was swinging so I continued with pacers and Vikram (Vikramjeet Malik) gave us a few breakthroughs. Also, credit to Hodgy, who took apart Tanvir and Stuart."

A little while earlier, at the post-match presentation, a beaming Tambe thanked his "seniors" with a sheepish smile.

"I like pitches where the ball skids as it helps me bowl my flippers. If there is turn on offer then I am fine with it as that will also help bowl leg breaks. I know my role in this team and I know where to bowl," Tambe said.

Even Brad Hodge chipped in with a few good words for Tambe.

"I was excited for PT (that's how Tambe is referred to). He bowled well. We are working to play according to the conditions and the pitch was a bit dry so I'm glad the move of playing PT paid off."

About his own role in the team, he said, "Experience is very important in a team. Few guys have that role in the IPL and that's mine in Rajasthan Royals. I just try to send the ball out of the fence -- pretty simply game plan for me."

About picking Tanvir's length, he said, "Sohail Tanvir has a strange action which is hard to pick when you haven't played him before. He's got the yorker, the slower ball, bouncer… We try to be a step ahead when we face him and hope it can pay off."