Kamya Punjabi is my close friend- Rajiv Thakur

Leaving aside all personal issues, Rajiv Thakur lets us in on a few tid-bits about how important is BCL for him. 

Why did you chose to be part of BCL season 2? What were your reasons?
I am the co-owner of the team Jaipur Raj Joshiley and am very passionate about cricket. I can say cricket was my first love even before I realized what love was.
 
Since when have you loved cricket and shared a passion for the sport?
I don't even remember as to when cricket became a part of my life. If I remember, as any small town guy, the laundry bat that was used to wash clothes was my first privileged possession and I guess that was when I was about 3 years old. When I shifted to Mumbai, cricket took a back seat in my life but BCL has given us an opportunity to refresh our memories and also to assess our capabilities one more time in life. We are lucky enough to get this chance of coming together and playing cricket. With all this, friendships are getting stronger and we are getting to know more people. Talking about passion for the sport, if I am doing a nightshift and am asked to play cricket in the morning I'll get charged once again.

Who is your favourite cricketer and why?
My favourite player is Sachin Tendulkar. And I feel happy and honoured to be part of his fan club. Apart from his cricketing talent, Sachin is extremely humble and a very down to earth human being. He has preserved his success very well and that too all over the world. I very fondly remember having lunch with Sachin while he shared his cricket moments and memories with me.

Any memory on cricket matches in the past which you wish to share?
The moment when our team made a record in the last BCL is worth remembering. I remember Kamya had organized a personal party. Kamya came after the toss. She told us to be at the party as soon as the match gets over. It was around 8:30 pm and we called her saying 'we are reaching' and she was shocked to hear that the match got over so soon. She asked if we had quit the match following a fight and when she came to know that the match was over in the 1st over itself, she was more than happy. And that moment was memorable one because we had a great party that followed.

How much time do you allot to practice on a day to day basis? Any injury you have faced while practicing?
As of now, we practice on alternate days since we all have our work schedules. And last 10 days we plan to practice on a daily basis. However, I am not being able to attend the practice sessions as of now since one of my shoulders is injured.

What physical training, exercises are you undergoing for enhancing your stamina?
I guess we are all fit enough to play. But some of our team players are in really good shape which motivates me to play well and take care of fitness as well.

Who is your best pal in your team? What rapport do you share with him/her?
Kamya  Punjabi has become a close friend since she is the co-owner and we constantly need to interact. Since, I am the captain, I share a good bonding with everyone.

BCL started with a lighter note initially but now it is more competitive. How do you see competition in the tournament this year?
Competition has increased as compared to last year with an equal increase in team spirits and I hope and expect this competition grows healthier in a constructive way with a growth in sportsman spirit.

What is your strength as a player? As a captain how do you manage the responsibility?
My strength is both batting and bowling but due to an injury in my shoulder I have to depend on batting. As a captain I have to lead, so I have to be in form and keep my confidence doubled.

What are the chances of winning of your team this year?
Chances of winning are 50-50.Because last year we started on a low note like an underdog but then we came out a super strong team. But we lost a match...we lost the tournament. This year the team that has been formed is stronger and more experienced than the last year and for that matter every team is strong and competition will be much higher than what it was last year.