The Conversation - The Sky is not the Limit!!

So what does it take to succeed at the maidaan? Some part skills, good footwear, a strong heart, the gift of the gab and the ability to shake off most things that are considered anomalous in the real world. Some have a dash of all of these. I guess the word one uses is Chutzpah...Please don't read that word as anything else. Some come into their own over the course of a season or two where performance backs up proverbs. And then there are some who just absolutely own it. 

Apoorv is one in that realm. This fella is absolutely next level. In a fairly sporty community of alpha males, he announced himself as a bloke who could play any game invented. The truth some of us know but he has cricketing chops. Now you would think, that would be adequate but the man stops at nothing. Vocal, vociferous with monk like advice rolling out all the time, he is a Maidaan superstar. Read on to know if he is ready to lead a team anytime soon. 

 1. Has anyone told you that you are restless ? 

This trait has been following me since my school days - I still remember my parents' first Parent-Teacher Meeting! But here's the thing: I don't see myself as restless at all. Instead, I prefer to call it being "enthusiastic" about everything I get involved in. It's funny though - just seeing Arjun's face triggers this sudden burst of "enthusiasm" (or restlessness, as others might call it) to crack some sarcastic jokes at his expense. Several people at Maidaan have noticed and pointed out this behavior of mine. To be honest, I sometimes struggle to make sense of it myself.

2. Trouble maker or trouble magnet. Where do you place yourself? 

Will strongly vote for trouble magnet here. I am very pure in my soul and such people are never trouble makers but so far in my life I believe big injustice has happend to me that I always manage to get involved in some trouble or the other. So far I think have managed to keep things in check at SP but I don't want to get carried away and invite troubles because of my stardom. As a newly promoted Senior Engineering Manager (had to mention somewhere in this blog) my objective is stay away from troubles as well at work too. 

3. No one has quite been accepted into the cricket group as much as you have. How are you enjoying the new found star status ? 

I'm skeptical about my supposed popularity and acceptance among teammates. If I were really that well-regarded, wouldn't the team management have already considered me for the captain's position for next season? However, if there's any truth to my popularity, I believe it stems from my ability to turn mockery into entertainment. I have this knack for making people laugh by converting taunts into amusing situations. Not to mention, my colorful language during our intense on-field rivalries seems to give everyone an extra boost of energy!

Speaking of significant events, meeting people like Hari, Satya, Vikram, Arjun, Sameer M early in my sporting journey was a turning point - though I'm unsure whether to label it as positive or negative. While they have undoubtedly provided me with opportunities to build my reputation but I have this nagging feeling that as my influence grows, these people might feel intimidated. There's a possibility they could try to undermine my rising status, particularly through this blog platform.

4. As an all rounder what do you think your main contribution on the cricket field is. What would be an ideal day at the maidaan be like? 

As an all rounder my ideal day at Maidaan would consist of following events in chronological order:

1. Get to practice/hit balls for 2-3 overs 

2. Follow up with some few practice balls just enough so that my arm is stretched but at the same time not exert yourself

3. Gradually welcome the late comers like Vikram/Mohanty and start my gossip sessions while formalities are being completed to start the game

4. As the game begins if we are batting I would love the batsmen going upfront to give us a blistering start so that I can play freely when I am coming 2/3 down (not lower than that)

5. For bowling I think I would like the captain to trust me more with likes of HK/Mohanty etc and with bowling some really tight last overs which can be match winners/losers

6. Lastly when I go home I would always want to be on winning side, not for personal satisfaction but to keep justifying my continuity of Maidaan cricket at home

5. Describe Apoorv to someone who does not understand you? 

It's a very deep question which I feel I am still incapable of answering. But I would definitely like to say one thing that for people who don't know me there is a lot going on behind the constant smile/comedy that they always see . So I would like people at maidaan in general to be more empathetic and be more inclusive while sharing batting and bowling opportunities and more forgiving for silly run outs which are none of my own doings.

6. How quickly do you think you can captain a team here at the maidaan?

Till 2 weeks ago I was thinking I am ready but after some introspection I think I need on work on few things to be fully there. There are some people playing at Maidaan who are past their prime but they are still carrying that legend status on their shoulder. Have to work out a way to coach these fellas and until that happens I am pretty sure I will fail as a captain. Don't get me wrong these are excellent cricketers but we are in a very competitive world and new talent has been pouring in Sobha Palladian as well. All that being said I truly want to earn my captaincy here and until the group feels ready I am not one of those who is going to ask for it