Shiv Thakor believes consistent performances will be key this summer as Derbyshire begin their new Specsavers County Championship campaign.
Graeme Welch’s men travel to The Brightside Ground, Bristol, on Sunday to face Gloucestershire in the county’s opening fixture of the new four-day season.
The all-rounder says the squad is ready to go after a good pre-season programme and insists an older, more experienced side can be pushing for silverware this year.
Thakor said: “We are all a year older and have spent a year together now. We are more experienced in first-class cricket, we’ve strengthened the squad and everyone shares the same vision – we want to get promoted.
“We started last season looking very strong and contenders for silverware. Unfortunately, we under-performed and we are all fully aware of it and we’re determined to put that right this year.
“Personally last season I was disappointed with my own performance to be honest. I probably had the worst season with the bat and my best with the ball.
“I’ve worked hard to improve my own game. I’m just looking forward to having a big year this year and contributing to winning games for Derbyshire.
“It’s essential to keep improving across all forms of the game. Essentially the fundamentals, bringing it back to the simplest things to give yourself the best chance of improving.
“I’m a firm believer that the best players in the world do the simplest most basic things better than anyone else.
“It all comes down to consistency. That’s what will eventually define you as a player. The gap between good and bad performances becomes smaller as you perform at a higher level.
“Myself, Graeme and the coaches sat down and set about looking at areas to improve in my game. At times it just comes back to simple things.
“Graeme’s reputation was instrumental in me coming here. He has a great reputation as a bowling coach and having worked with him for a year I can see why.”
Derbyshire CCC Membership for 2016 is on sale. Purchase online at derbyshireccc.com, in person at The 3aaa County Ground or by calling 0871 350 1870.
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