The Conversation - Ready to be on TOP!!! The MVP seeking more greatness....

Each of these features in the past have generally been more about unravelling something about the folks we play with more than anything. This time I just needed to chase down the hottest property on the maidaan. Now as a newly minted captain and coming off a blockbuster season, Sameer is on everyone's mind. The guy now dresses up for his strolls around Palladian and the latest I am hearing is that some parents to be have SAMEER or SAMEERA as their first choice baby names. 

So what makes this mania take it up a notch higher. I have known Sameer for a while now. The guy is an absolute gem as long as you don't decide to physically take him on. As the new leader of the Palladian Pacers, I think a new facet in his game is going to shine as we commence Season 19. 

I loved this freewheeling and witty chat with him. Hope you do too...

1.Your opposition traded you thinking you would barely come to play.  Was this a message back to someone?

While I try not to play for external validation, being traded with the thought that I’d barely show up did sting a bit. Also, there’s always a little extra fire when you feel you are not performing to your potential. But once the team was finalized, my focus was to give my 100% to every run, every wicket, and every moment on the field. No messages, just admiration for those at the maidan who inspire me to excel.

2. Is there something you are not able to do well? Rank your batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping on a scale of 1-10 ( excellent)

There’s always something to improve! Although this season was awesome for me, the learning continues … and I can only rank myself on how far I am from the greats of Maidan 

• Batting: – 8 this season, Still need to catch up to the Maidan batting greats (10s) – HK, Harsha, Hari, Mishra, Arjun, KG, Chaitanya …

• Bowling:  – 7 this season, need to learn from our bowling Maestros (10s) – Dhruv, Ashish, Ayush, Arjun, Shiten, Satya, Raghu …

• Fielding:  – 7 this season, can’t beat The Jonty Rhodes of Maidan (10s) Viki, HK, Ashish, Pranav, Harsha, Kiran, Ahaan and CP

• Wicketkeeping: – May be a 5, I fill in when needed, but I am still learning from Hari the Great with strong competition from Kings, Mishra, Gopi Sir 

3. In team full of stars, you managed to outshine everyone by a huge margin. What changed this season in your approach?

This season, I focused on simplifying my game and trusting my instincts. I tried to play each ball on its merit. Off the Field I worked with Arjun on Mental Strength, meditated with Viki, visualized great Outcomes with Dhruv, Learnt Singing from Hari, attended Self Reflection sessions with Kishore and Manoj, Time Management sessions with Vikram and KG and Strategy sessions with Satya. These sessions with my mentors have immensely helped me improve my game. 

4. So what next? How do you see next season go for you? Would you now consider yourself the best cricketer in the maidaan?

Cricket is humbling, and the game has a way of keeping everyone grounded. I’m proud of this season, but I know every year brings new challenges. Next season, I hope to build on this momentum, keep learning, and help the team win the next season too. Too much pressure for the next season, Chaitanya is waiting to rip me apart with his huge sixes and even more brutal writing on WhatsApp.

5.Which captain would you like to play for? And what are your reasons.

That’s a tough one! Each captain brings something unique. If I had to choose, I’d love to play under someone who leads with integrity and inspires by example—someone who trusts their players and creates an environment where everyone can flourish. Looking forward to Playing under the leadership of our young guns – Ahaan, Vedant, Pranav and Ayush

6. The walk you do. Is that just habit or is that to mess with the bowler!!

A bit of both, if I’m honest! It started to slow myself down, reset, and gather my thoughts. Over time, I realized it sometimes puts a question mark in the Bowler’s mind. Maybe it’s a little mind game, but mostly it’s about getting into my own zone .

Taking water breaks after every ball is important – need to stay hydrated :-)