Shaun Tait is learning to call India home, which is not surprising since the Australian tearaway now freelances as a T20 professional and India offers the richest rewards to those peddling their stuff in the shortest format. And there is an added incentive too.
"For the last year-and-a-half, I've had an Indian girlfriend," says Tait, referring to Mashoom Singha, a model.
"I've spent a lot of time in Mumbai. She lives there. So (traveling to India) is like coming home now. I've probably spent more time here than in Australia."
Tait's learnt a few words of Hindi as well, he claims. "But most of them are rude, so I can't repeat them here."
Tait is here with the South Australian Redbacks for the Champions League T20. Having played for the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Rajasthan Royals since the inaugural edition in 2008, Tait is considered something of an expert on India by his Redbacks teammates.
"There are a few guys who have never been to India. They keep asking me about the food, the culture, the traffic!"
{{/usCountry}}"There are a few guys who have never been to India. They keep asking me about the food, the culture, the traffic!"
{{/usCountry}}The last word reminds him of Mumbai.
"Thank god we are not playing in Mumbai, because we would not have made it to the venue on time."
Tait quit Tests in 2008 and retired from the Australia ODI side after the World Cup earlier this year. Tait says he would have carried on playing Test and ODIs if his body allowed him to.