Tikolo acknowledges Patil’s role

Retiring all-rounder Tikolo credits Kenya cricket's high point, reaching 2003 WC semis, to former India batsman Sandip Patil

Tikolo acknowledges Patil's role

Retiring all-rounder Tikolo credits Kenya cricket's high point, reaching 2003 WC semis, to former India batsman Sandip Patil

Steve Tikolo, who played in his last international match in the Group 'A' game against Zimbabwe yesterday, acknowledged former Indian batsman Sandip Patil's contribution to Kenyan cricket.

"Yes, we can't forget our Indian coaches, especially Sandip Patil. During his tenure, we reached the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup. How can we forget that moment? He changed the entire scenario in Kenyan cricket," Tikolo told MiD DAY.

Tikolo was part of the team that shocked the West Indies in Pune in the 1996 World Cup, their debut edition.

Fifteen years later, the scene was completely different as Kenya slumped to a 161-run loss yesterday.

But there is no looking back for Tikolo, who came out of retirement announced a year ago to play in the World Cup. "This is the end of the road for me. All those gestures go to show that people appreciate what you have done over the years," the 39-year-old said.

"I can't go on for ever. It's time for me to move on and let the youngsters take over the mantle. There is no emotion involved."

Tikolo figured in five World Cups, and scored 3,421 runs and bagged 94 wickets in 134 one-day internationals. The highlight of his career was captaining Kenya to the 2003 World Cup semi-final.

"Looking back at 2003, the team we had then was playing together since 1996. We gelled well as players and we knew each other's strengths and weaknesses," Tikolo said.

"We played a lot of games against the 'A' sides from India, South Africa, and Australia. So we were playing good cricket all along."

Tikolo said he wished to be involved with the game after his playing days. "Cricket has been a game that has looked after me all through. I would love to give something back to Kenyan cricket," he said.

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