Italian All-Rounder Thomas Draca Aims to Fulfill Dream of Meeting Idol Hardik Pandya
When cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar retired, he left fans with timeless wisdom: "Chase your dreams, they do come true." For Italy's emerging all-rounder Thomas Draca, one cherished dream is now tantalizingly close—meeting his idol, Indian star Hardik Pandya, at the upcoming T20 World Cup. On the field, whether wielding the bat or delivering the ball, Draca strives to replicate Pandya's intensity and fearless approach to the game.
Emulating Pandya's On and Off-Field Persona
Draca's admiration extends beyond cricketing skills alone. He actively works to mirror Pandya's energy and demeanor off the field, embracing the all-rounder's professionalism and charisma in his own conduct. In an exclusive interview, Draca shared his heartfelt aspirations with TimesofIndia.com.
"It's my dream to play alongside him [Hardik Pandya]. I don’t really look forward to playing against him or bowling to him, but if we qualify and I get the chance to play against him or meet him, it would be an incredible experience. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to and model my game after. I’m an all-rounder too, and I really admire the way he approaches the game—the way he engages with the public and carries himself in the media. That’s something I try to emulate now," Draca revealed.
He added, "Matching his energy is tough—he’s always on top of his game. If I can mirror that as I progress, I think I’ll be on the right path for a good career. I’d love to chat with him, get some tips. He seems like such a nice guy and has been one of my heroes growing up. I love how he plays fearlessly, takes on the contest with both bat and ball, and that’s what I’m trying to do myself. If I can do a little of that, I’ll know I’m heading in the right direction."
Italy's Maiden T20 World Cup Appearance and Draca's Confidence
Italy, a nation renowned for its football dominance, is set to make its debut on the T20 World Cup stage. The Azzurri face a challenging group that includes Scotland, West Indies, Nepal, and England. Despite the formidable competition, 25-year-old Draca remains optimistic about Italy's prospects of advancing to the Super Eights, eager to leave a mark on the global stage and potentially meet his idol Pandya.
Draca has already prepared questions for Pandya, noted in his travel diary. "One thing I’d ask him is how much his watch is worth—he’s wearing a Royal Oak! (laughs) Just kidding. I’d also ask about his variations, especially in the back end of the innings. I really like his off-cutter and knuckleball, so I’d probably ask him about those," he said with a smile.
"Then, I’d just have a chat and try to pick his brain. Whether it’s for five seconds or five minutes, I don’t care—we’ll see how long the conversation goes," Draca added, highlighting his eagerness for the encounter.
Mentorship from Cricket Legends and a Special Pendant
Draca has been refining his skills under the guidance of cricket greats Dennis Lillee and Carlos Brathwaite. Lillee has mentored him in the art of pace bowling, while Brathwaite, famous for hitting four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final to secure the title for West Indies, has shaped his all-round game.
"I was fortunate to meet Carlos Brathwaite during a franchise stint. Over the past year and a half, he’s really taken me under his wing. I’ve flown to Barbados multiple times to work out with his S&C coach, Jamar. He’s invested a lot of time in my cricket. Carlos always tells me to stay calm and be myself on the pitch. Don’t worry about the pressure—just enjoy the game. That mindset has really helped me stay relaxed, focus on my plans, and perform," Draca explained.
He continued, "I’ve also got Dennis Lillee as a mentor. He guided me when I was 17, helping me through rehab and teaching me discipline both 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 the first time I put it on."
"Having that chain around my neck reminds me of the belief these greats have in me. It gives me the confidence to keep things simple, bowl fast, enjoy the game, and perform for my country," Draca concluded, emphasizing the motivational power of this special pendant as he prepares for the global tournament.
