Shreevats Goswami: You have to accept the reality and instead work hard and get inspired to reach there

TAHIR IBN MANZOOR: Goswami is gearing up for his second season at Sunrisers Hyderabad having made an IPL comeback after a three-year absence, he spoke to The Cricketer about his journey and what he did to get back playing in the big time...

There are the times when things turn your way, and there are the moments when things go wrong, and to maintain your drive and focus takes a lot of effort and commitment.

Then there are the likes of Indian wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami, who has learned to relish both realities.

The famed American basketball player Michael Jordan once said: "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."

Goswami thinks in the same manner.

There have been ups and downs, and his performances in the Indian Premier League reflects this.

Having smashed a 42-ball 52 and been named the player of the match on his IPL debut as a teenager in 2008 to not featuring in the tournament between 2014 and 2017, Goswami has seen it all.

He is now gearing up for his second season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, having played six matches during the 2018 IPL, and Goswami sat down with Tahir Ibn Manzoor to talk about his journey and where he wants to go.

^{Shreevats Goswami with the Kolkata Knight Riders}

"The domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy was a game changer for me. I was batting and keeping quite well in that tournament," Goswami explains.

"It gets difficult for a domestic player to make a comeback once you are out of IPL. The only way you can get back into the reckoning is to score a lot of runs.

"I wasn't really frustrated when I didn't play because I knew I hadn't done much to get a team, therefore I was more concerned about how to work myself up and get back to scoring runs to deserve a place.

"Sometimes I did feel and wished I could have been there playing instead of watching, but you have to accept the reality and instead work hard and get inspired to reach there, that’s the mindset you have to have, and that’s how sports work. There is no time for sentiments.

"When I got picked up by Sunrisers, I was really happy and excited to get back into the big tournament. It's a fantastic franchise, the best I have been part of. It’s like a family there.

"All the franchise I have been a part of were extremely supportive and professional although my best time has been with Sunrisers, previously I enjoyed playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore too, but Sunrisers has been the best experience so far."

Sunrisers made it to the IPL final in his first season, where Chennai Super Kings beat them by eight wickets. Goswami was runout having scored five.

^{Shane Watson starred for Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 IPL final}

"We had a great run until the final, but one innings from Shane Watson proved costly for us as he took the game away from us single-handedly.

"We were disappointed but equally proud of everyone in the team. The management, coach and everyone involved with the team were really proud of us and our journey, and we all left on a happy note."

Having missed out on winning the title, Surisers are keen to bounce back and go one step further during the 2019 IPL. With players like captain Kane Williamson, Goswami is confident they can do it.

"Kane Williamson is an absolute gentleman and a top player, a true leader in every sense. Very calm and composed under pressure and a terrific team man. There’s a lot to learn from him," he remarks.

"I would say we are the best team and are confident of lifting the trophy, that is the attitude I am sure we will have going into the tournament.

"We have to respect other teams too, but we have to have the mindset that we are the best."

Despite spending three years not playing IPL cricket, Goswami has still kept himself busy and an impressive 43 for the Indian Board President's XI against a Steve Smith-led Australia in 2017 paved the way for a place in the India A side.

^{Steve Smith}

"I played a game against Australia, and it went well. Having made only 43, I was the highest scorer in that team."

"Unfortunately after two India A games, I wasn’t picked again.

"Ups and downs are a part of sport, the best thing about playing a sport is you learn how to deal with success and failure - it’s a great leveller.

"I am happy how I have dealt with failure. Sometimes I do push myself deep down when I don’t do well, but the game demands you to rise and keep working hard. That’s the kind of attitude I have. You have to show up, work hard and keep persevering."

Goswami has always been keen to learn off those he's played with - and against. The IPL has provided him with ample opportunity to do so.

"I have played against Adam Gilchrist but never got the chance to meet him one on one and speak to him about the game.

"I was lucky enough to share the dressing room with Mark Boucher whom I used to admire a lot, he helped me a lot with my wicket-keeping during my time at Royal Challengers Bangalore and I will forever be grateful for the time spent with him.

"I admired his work and the way he helped me. Also, MS Dhoni has been a real inspiration."