The Conversation - Living extraordinary ....

Which sport in Palladian attracts the most crowds? Which sport in Palladian has nervous spouses, charged up kids, parents, in laws and even the staff totally hooked onto to all the strategy and game itself. It ain't badminton. Tennis, no way...Swimming is quite a spectacle sport but for mostly wrong reasons and the block relays are super exciting but very brief. 

So what do we have left!! Cricket and more specifically the ladies cricket at Palladian. What a show they put on with the most dramatic ending under falling rain. We had 18 warriors who put their hearts out on the ground with the belief that " if your dreams are crazy, show them what crazy dreams can do." 

The game itself had some splendid highlight reels and with a rumbustious crowd cheering on it finally boiled down to who stayed the calmest. Among all the drama that unfolded, stood one individual. She comes across as the most unassuming, friendly, welcoming person you can ever meet....Ruchika Sunil. But give her a bat and ball, she seems to exhibit another level of steel and composure. 

Cricket for most parts is a team sport and usually the team thats holds its ground and shows up takes the crown. But on somedays it finally boils down to an individual who decides that they will do whatever it takes to carry the group on their shoulders and not give in till the job gets done. 

And that is the reason why Ruchika gets featured in this edition of The Conversation. Her responses to my questions were both straight from the heart as well as inspirational. All I can say is that you don't have to be great to get started, but you need to get started to be great. 

Read on, enjoy and lets play cricket !!!

1. How are you feeling this morning after pulling off a sensational win 36 hours ago?

Confident and happy! It felt like I can still play like I used to as a child. The win really lifted my spirits and made me realize that all the skills I've developed over time are always there, waiting to be tapped into. It’s all about trusting myself and letting those abilities shine when the moment calls for it.

I think our bowlers did a great job and we were able to chase the total successfully. Overall, the strategy of our captain worked very well.

2. You have clearly played cricket before. Can you give us back story?

Oh, yes! I played cricket almost every day until middle school—though honestly, I can’t remember which grade, sometime back till late 80s when landlines were the coolest gadgets around! None of the girls wanted to play cricket, so I ended up playing with the boys, which pretty much confused everyone. It’s funny to think about it now. I had this carefree attitude, “whatever”, and stuck to only two sports—Cricket and “Gilli Danda.” Honestly, I’m not even sure if Gilli Danda survived the 90s! But all the credit goes to my mom, who had the same "go for it" attitude and let me play these sports, even though she often heard things like “Pure din ladko ke sath khelti hein, ladko ke games khelti hein, usko thoda samjao”. ("She’s always playing with the boys, playing boys’ games. You should talk some sense into her.")

3. What was going through your mind as you were anchoring the chase ?

I was just trying to stay calm and focused, telling myself, "One ball at a time, no rush." I was really enjoying the game—it took me back to my childhood days, and I was just relishing every moment! I also ensured that I keep talking to my partner and make them believe that we can pull this off!

4. You are an  all rounder in real life. Managing family, a taxing job, great cook,  fitness and then a cricket knock of legend. Is there something that you cannot do?

I think all women are all-rounders; it’s just about believing in ourselves that helps us manage everything! I’m not sure if I’m a great cook, but I can definitely say I’m a good salesperson—I can sell any story around here! I believe in trying everything; if I succeed, great, and if not, that’s fine too. It keeps me motivated every day. Though, I do have my moments of burnout where I resign multiple times from my job & submit it to Sunil, but his cool nature and support always brings me back for more and keeps me going!

5. Sunil claims he is the best cricketer in the family. Any evidence to suggest this?

From the stories I have heard, he was good player during school and was captain of his team. I haven’t seen him playing after marriage except in the friendly family matches so can’t comment but definitely he is the favourite Chachu for the kids in the family.

6. Do you see the ladies cricket becoming  a more regular affair at Palladian?

One day, it will happen! Everyone wants to make ladies' cricket a regular thing, but then you have other sports like badminton, running, and walking also fighting for recognition. But don’t worry cricket will get its limelight soon.