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Exclusive | 'Personal Milestones Do Not Matter Much To Me' - Shivam Chaudhary

image-lll53xc0Shivam Chaudhary (Source: Twitter/@IDCForum)

Indian cricket is caught between the devil and deep blue sea. Because of no all-rounders or lack of them, the side is applying last-minute resorts to limit this bottleneck but sacrificing on one aspect or the other.

Axar Patel is getting preference over Yuzvendra Chahal due to his batting ability. This is a verbatim on the lines of words spoken by the India captain Rohit Sharma in the presser where the Asia Cup 2023 squad was announced.

Headlines were also made on Tilak Varma's selection. Yet to debut in ODI cricket, Tilak in all likelihood is also being seen as a part-time spinner who could chip in with a few overs. This is a clear indication that India are cutting the Gordian knot. We are going back to an era where the batters also used to bowl. 

This opens up the paths for players like Shivam Chaudhary. The Railways opener with his long levers has down the ground as good as anyone. Not to forget his off-spin that might not be on the level of a specialist but is surely better than most of the part-timers. You do not believe this? Watch him bowl for the Central Zone versus the West Zone in a fixture of the recently-concluded Deodhar Trophy.

In an exclusive chat with OneCricket, Shivam opened up on his recent Deodhar Trophy outings, stint with an English club, meeting with Jos Buttler, IPL disappointment, and much more.


Excerpt from the conversation:

How did it all start for you? What drove you towards cricket?

I have been attached to cricket ever since my childhood. My brother played a big role in letting me explore this sport. He sent me to an academy where I made an even deeper connection with cricket.


How was it for you while growing up? You always wanted to be a cricketer or had other plans?

I had always dreamt of becoming a cricketer. I did not know where this journey would lead me at the start but thankfully, I am getting to do what I always wanted to and I am grateful for that.


You started playing in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh and later on shifted to the Railways. What was the motive behind the move?

There were a lot of factors involved. I had major knee injuries in 2017-18. I felt I was not getting enough opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. I thought about where I want to be in terms of my career. So, with the move, I mainly intended to make a forward leap in my career.


Are you happy with the way it has gone for you in the Railways?

Absolutely. I feel at ease here. I have been given enough support by the team management. And I feel it has really helped me give my all on the field. And it also has to do with how I am being utilised here.


You were the highest run-scorer for the Railways in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022. Did you have to make any adjustments to your technique and mindset to achieve this?

No, nothing of that sort. As a batter, you have to ensure that your mind is not overcooked with thoughts. My goal is to win matches for my team. I follow a similar thought process while batting. Personal milestones do not matter much to me. I am a team man and would always remain one.


You had almost won Central Zone the match against the West Zone in the Deodhar Trophy 2023 with your four-wicket haul. Tell us something about that.

I would have liked to get that remaining one wicket but as it is, you cannot look back at it and continue to regret. They stitched a partnership. Wins and losses are part and parcel of the game. As much as you work hard, you cannot control results.


Share your perspective on how you think the Deodhar Trophy 2023 went for you?

I felt I was batting well. It gave me confidence. I could have done better. I was getting starts but unfortunately could not convert them into big scores. This is where I lacked and I am working on improving this aspect of my game.


You have a List A average of 50.30. Where do you think your strength lies in this format?

I try to keep things simple. As I said, in your head, you should always prepare for one ball at a time. Stroke-making comes naturally to me. I do not play too many dot balls and this relieves a lot of pressure off me.


You have played club cricket in England. How did this opportunity come your way?

It was an off-season in India. Various English clubs approached me. The ball does seam and swing there, unlike India. So, I thought why not I try something different and add into my game by going into a territory which I have not explored before.


You had also met Jos Buttler in England. How did the chat with him go about?

There was a T20 match. He was playing for Lancashire. You know how good a white-ball batter he is. Moreover, he is innovative. I tried to pick his brains and grasp whatever I could from that brief conversation.


You had put your name in the IPL 2023 auction but did not get a bid. Was it tough for you to make peace with it?

I had a good domestic season last year. I was pretty close to getting picked. But when no franchise picked me, I was disappointed for a day or two. But you have to understand, selection is not in your hands. Still, you need to continue trying. This is what keeps me going.


What do you plan to achieve next?

The ultimate goal is to play for India. But right now I am not looking too far ahead. I am taking one step at a time. I want to do well in domestic cricket and push my game all the way up. I hope the IPL teams then take notice of my performance.