“I’m going into the cricket bat-making business”

In The OVAL with Brighton Zhawi

NEVER LUNDU, who has been fixing cricket bats for well over a decade now, believes that the time has come to scale new heights in his trade.

The man they call “Bat Doctor” has fixed bats for marquee players such as MS Dhoni, Mohammed Hafeez and almost every Zimbabwe Chevrons’ player.

Nine years after our first interview, I recently caught up with Lundu to find out the latest in his line of trade.

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Q: Why do you still do this?

A: Well, I am still in this business because I have seen how difficult it is for people to buy bats every now and then and importing them is something that is too much for a lot of people.

Also, the main reason is how much I am appreciated by the local and international guys.

It is giving me more energy to continue.

And why would I leave something that is making me mix with the guys I have been wishing to share the same changing room with for the longest time.

Now we are mixing differently. It’s an honour for me and I don’t see myself pulling out.

I have a bigger plan, which is more than just repairing bats but something that will be useful to the entire continent.

Q: Tell me more about this grand master plan.

A: If all goes well, I am getting into the bat-making business. In February, I expect to travel to Pakistan, where I hope to get more hands-on experience. I have also set my sights on making (cricket) balls. We cannot continue just importing equipment.

Q: Will you set up your factory or work in partnership with some established bat-making companies?

A: The plan is to start my factory, though it’s still an open thing, as more ideas are still needed to actually see what’s best. For now, the plan is to start my own thing. After the Pakistan visit, I will be in a good position to know exactly the direction I want to take.

When I start making bats, I will probably work with some brands; for example, BDM, where they will be using their stickers or labels on my bats.

Q: What has changed in your operations over the years? Do you still fix bats the same way or you have adopted new ways?

A: A lot has changed. I now have machines and I have developed better skills. I now have a deeper and better understanding on how to fix a bat. I have done the research on how other gurus do it and I have picked a couple of things from them.

Q: I know Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza scored international hundreds with bats you fixed back in 2015. How many more hundreds have been scored since?

A: I have lost count of how many hundreds have been scored by the guys after bat repairs. What I know is guys are appreciative of my efforts.

Q: You have mended bats for some big-name players from visiting teams. Would you say your profile has grown, especially now that you no longer introduce yourself to teams that tour Zimbabwe?

A: The works speak for themselves, and most teams are now aware of who I am and what I can do. Many thanks to Raza, he played a big role in terms of making those international guys who will not be aware of my bat-repair skills. PJ Moor also helped link me up with the Irish team, but those teams that tour Zimbabwe now and then are quite aware and they give positive feedback.

Q: I know you were inspired by Sam Mwakayeni and by guys like Alois Tichana and Sylvester Mutusva, who all played a role for you to reach these levels. Have you also roped in other people to work with?

A: It’s in the pipeline. I want to get a couple of guys who have shown interest in doing bat repairs.

Q: This promises to be a big year for you …  and all the best. So, can I still call you “Bat Doctor” or do you have a new title now?

A: The name will always be the “Bat Doctor”, at least maybe until new partners jump in.

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