'I don't stick my nose where it doesn't belong'
Tatenda Taibu talks to Nagraj Gollapudi about his return to Zimbabwe
Nagraj Gollapudi
26-Aug-2007
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Tatenda Taibu was appointed Zimbabwe captain in 2004 after the resignation of Heath Streak in the wake of the players' revolt against the country's board that year. The following year Taibu found himself in the eye of a storm following another revolt by players, resigned the captaincy, and announced his retirement from international cricket. He moved to South Africa in 2006 (after stints in Bangladesh and England), announcing that he intended to try and qualify for that country's national side, but returned to Zimbabwe and their team in 2007. He answered a few questions about his volte face in this email interview with Cricinfo.
Why did you decide to come back in the first place?
Because I just thought that God gave me a talent to play and shine, and you only get to do that at the highest level. My wife also wanted us to be stable in one country.
Because I just thought that God gave me a talent to play and shine, and you only get to do that at the highest level. My wife also wanted us to be stable in one country.
Given that specific threats were made against you and your family, are you not worried, given that the political situation in Zimbabwe is worse than when you left in 2005?
The guy who threatened us contacted me a year and a half ago to apologise, and I did accept his apology.
The guy who threatened us contacted me a year and a half ago to apologise, and I did accept his apology.
How difficult was it being away from cricket?
I wasn't away from cricket because I played in Bangladesh, England and Namibia.
I wasn't away from cricket because I played in Bangladesh, England and Namibia.
Now that you have come back to your country, how do you think things are cricket-wise: better or worse than when you left?
I now don't stick my nose where it doesn't belong. I just concentrate on my game. The best way I can help the team is by scoring hundreds and taking catches.
I now don't stick my nose where it doesn't belong. I just concentrate on my game. The best way I can help the team is by scoring hundreds and taking catches.
Have you received the money owed you by Zimbabwe Cricket? We believe this was partly responsible for your decision to leave?
Money was never an issue in any way. I'm now into serious real estate and that's where I get my money from; what I get from ZC is really a bonus.
Money was never an issue in any way. I'm now into serious real estate and that's where I get my money from; what I get from ZC is really a bonus.
How would you respond to allegations that you have returned because your attempts to forge a career overseas failed?
Like I said, my wife always wanted me to come back and play. She struggles being away from home, and I consider her in my decisions.
Like I said, my wife always wanted me to come back and play. She struggles being away from home, and I consider her in my decisions.
Do you think you will be restored to the captaincy soon?
As I said, I just want to concentrate on scoring hundreds and taking catches.
As I said, I just want to concentrate on scoring hundreds and taking catches.
You were critical of the coach Kevin Curran, and said he did not involve you in team matters, whereas Phil Simmons did. Curran is still the coach, so how do you aim to repair that relationship?
The truth is, I had a better relationship with Phil than I have with KC, and that is just that.
The truth is, I had a better relationship with Phil than I have with KC, and that is just that.
What's your view on Zimbabwe's continuing absence from Test cricket?
I think it's good for the youngsters to play more four-day cricket for now and mature, because most are not ready as yet.
I think it's good for the youngsters to play more four-day cricket for now and mature, because most are not ready as yet.
What do you think the team has gained from the A team series against South Africa and India?
I'm playing good cricket and there have been other guys showing glimpses of understanding on how to approach the longer game.
I'm playing good cricket and there have been other guys showing glimpses of understanding on how to approach the longer game.
What would you say to the West Indies A team, who stayed away on safety/moral grounds?
India A, South Africa A, and the South Africa national team are here, and they have all been safe.
India A, South Africa A, and the South Africa national team are here, and they have all been safe.
Who are the best young players coming through?
Quite a number of young fast bowlers, but they are still very raw to mention.
Quite a number of young fast bowlers, but they are still very raw to mention.
Now that you have come back, would you advise other players to return as well?
I think it is always - and should always remain - an individual decision.
I think it is always - and should always remain - an individual decision.
Nagraj Gollapudi is assistant editor of Cricinfo Magazine