In Conversation - Making it happen one ball at a time !!

 We’ve always had our share of serious cricketers. And then… there’s this category.

For ages, it was the same familiar faces battling it out every weekend—until Dinesh walked onto the maidaan.

I still remember day one. He turned up with a buddy, carrying an almost-perfect bat—which, as it turned out, was merely the trailer. What followed was a bat swing straight out of a highlight reel, sending balls into distant pin codes and striking fear into the hearts of bowlers everywhere. Add to that his athleticism (on full display from ball one), and a left-handed bowler who somehow just kept getting better every game—and suddenly the maidaan got a serious upgrade.

When you become a captain’s top-two pick in record time, the message is clear: this one’s the real deal.

Welcome to the maidaan, Dinesh.

Our new poster boy—good looks, charm, quiet efficiency, and a knack for winning games. Keep rocking it. Loved the chat, and here’s hoping we’re on the same side more often in the seasons to come.

1. How old are you, Dinesh? Everyone wants to know so that they feel better about themselves.

I’m in my late twenties. 

To add more comfort, my Whoop age is 29.5, which is 5.5 years younger than my actual age.

So yes, ageing backwards. Science approved.

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2. You’ve brought an all-round flair we were missing. How do you view cricket at the maidaan and the friends you’ve made here?

Arjun, on day one I walked in as a batsman, just hitting hard everywhere.

You were not the captain then, but you boosted me and gave me multiple chances to bowl. Even after five wide balls in a row, you backed me. Eventually, I found the right length and pitch.

That belief made all the difference.

Cricket has been close to me since childhood, and maidaan cricket hits differently. Weekends are now non-negotiable, no compromises, no excuses.

As for people, most friendships stay within the maidaan, but the energy, regardless of age, is highly commendable. That vibe alone is addictive. I hope one day we will chill outside the maidaan also and take these friendships beyond the boundary.

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3. You’re multi-skilled and can be used anytime. What role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy contributing anywhere, but batting is closest to my heart.

I genuinely love opening. My previous captain Dhruv gave me those chances, even when the results didn’t follow.

My rule is simple. I play six balls only.

Why waste 20 balls for 20 runs when you can do it faster?

People ask me to slow down. I politely ignore them.

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4. You appear very calm on the ground. How do you manage that with a bunch of rowdies?

Two 10-day Vipassana courses and daily one hour of meditation for the last eight months. That’s it.

So no, you probably won’t see my angry side on or off the field.

Glad you asked. I was anyway thinking of talking about Vipassana someday.

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5. Now that you’re a regular, do you see yourself captaining a team?

Honestly, I was about to ask you if I could lead the team next season.

And if that happens, please make sure you are by my side as co-captain.

Leadership lessons from business apply perfectly to cricket. Trust people, stay calm, and let everyone play their natural game.

Different field, same fundamentals.

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6. Most memorable maidaan moment and one you’d rather forget?

The good memories are many. Arjun taking 5 wickets in the last over, last 5 balls of the match, is something I will always remember.

And of course, how can I forget my long, towering sixes.

As for moments I don’t want to remember, nothing really. Whatever happens on the field stays there. Match over. Reset. Move on.