Mumbai: Unlike both incoming and outgoing captains, Graeme Cremer and Hamilton Masakadza, who were “surprised” when they were informed about the change in captaincy role, the new chief selector Tatenda Taibu was aware about his new role.
Speaking over his mobile hours after his return to London (from Harare), where he is now settled with his wife and children, the 33-year-old Taibu says, “I had been talking to the chairman for a year before we finalised. So it was not one of those where feelings are attached.”
In fact, the captain (Cremer) was chosen by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) board and Taibu only picked the team (in consultation with the coaches) for the series against India. He is the sole selector named now.
My trips to Zimbabwe will increase now but being a busy man here (in UK) my involvement with Zimbabwe cricket will be restricted but again, the high technology available now and moving so fast, it won’t be so difficult either,” he said.
Like Dhoni, Taibu also led the team as a wicket-keeper. He was made captain at the very young age of 21 years. The man with gloves is best placed (behind the stumps) on the ground and has to be always alert and therefore can lead the side better. I have not seen much of Dhoni as I was not involved with the game for last four years.
Taibu will again return to Zimbabwe to witness few matches against Dhoni’s team.
After retiring from the game at the age of 29, Taibu has been focusing on his work in church and school. “Service in the church is a lifetime, everyday life”
I’m a very busy man so finding time for something can be difficult but we finally got a way around it. I try my level best to get the world to be a better place to live in, to make a change in someone’s life.”
“I just believe the Lord will grant me many years to make an impact,” he signed off.
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