Thomas Draca (Image credit: Special Arrangements) NEW DELHI: As the legendary Sachin Tendulkar retired, he left the crowd with a timeless piece of advice: “Follow your dreams, they do come true.” Italian all-rounder Thomas Draca now has one long-cherished dream within reach – to meet his idol Hardik Pandya during the T20 World Cup. On the field, whether with bat or ball, Draca tries to mirror Pandya’s intensity and fearless approach to the game.But his admiration does not end with his cricketing skills. Draca also strives to emulate Pandya’s energy and demeanor off the field, mirroring the all-round professionalism and charisma in his own demeanor.
Team India lands in New Delhi for the T20 World Cup match
“It’s my dream to play alongside him (Hardik Pandya). I’m not really looking forward to playing against him or bowling with him, but if we qualify and I get a chance to play against him or face him, it would be an incredible experience. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to and modeled my game after. I’m also an all-rounder and I really admire myself for the way he approaches the media. That’s something I’m trying to do now imitate,” Draca told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview. “His energy is hard to match – he’s always at the top of his game. If I can mirror that going forward, I think I’ll be on the right track for a good career. I’d love to talk to him, get some tips. He seems like such a nice guy and he was one of my heroes growing up. I like how he plays fearlessly, tries to battle with the bat and the ball, and if I can do that.” I will know that I am going in the right direction,” he added.Italy, a nation long celebrated for its dominance in football, is set to take to the T20 World Cup stage for the first time. The Azzurri find themselves in a tough group alongside Scotland, West Indies, Nepal and England.Despite the stiff competition, 25-year-old Draca remains confident of Italy’s chances of reaching the Super Eights and is eager to make his mark on the global stage; to meet his idol Pandya and ask him the questions he had already jotted down in his travel journal. “One thing I would ask him is what his watch is worth – he’s wearing a Royal Oak! (laughs) Just kidding. I’d also ask about his variations, especially at the back end of the innings. I really like his cut and knee, so I’d probably ask him about those,” he said.“Then I’d just chat and try to pick his brain. Whether it’s five seconds or five minutes, I don’t care – we’ll see how long the conversation lasts,” Draco added with a smile.‘SPECIAL’ PENDANT25-year-old Draco honed his skills under the tutelage of legends Dennis Lillee and Carlos Brathwaite.Lillee mentored him in the art of fast bowling, while Brathwaite, famous for hitting four consecutive sixes against Ben Stokes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final to secure the title for West Indies, shaped his all-round game. “I was lucky enough to meet Carlos Brathwaite during the franchise. He really took me under his wing over the last year and a half. I flew to Barbados a few times to train with his coach S&C Jamar. He invested a lot of time in my cricket. Carlos always helped me stay calm and be myself when I was worried on the field. I didn’t care about the pressure on the field. stay relaxed, focus to my plans and perform,” said Draco.“I also have Dennis Lillee as a mentor. He guided me when I was 17, helped me through rehab and taught me discipline on and off the field. He even gave me his World Series chain to wear during the World Cup, which is an incredible inspiration. I know I’ll be emotional when I put it on for the first time,” he added.“Having that chain around my neck reminds me of the faith these greats have in me. It gives me the confidence to keep things simple, play fast, enjoy the game and perform for my country,” Draca said.
