In this episode, we chat with former India Test cricketer, columnist, author and commentator Aakash Chopra.
Aakash tells us about his initiation into the game – in the mid-1980s – and of learning the fundamentals from his legendary coach Tarak Sinha. He goes on to review his international stint and admits he hadn’t fully understood his game until mid-way through his career.
Talking Points:
- Memories of Sonnet Cricket Club
- Thinking about the game from an early age
- The pressure he was under on his Ranji Trophy debut
- Cricket as a team game v cricket as an individual game
- Playing for the team v playing to one’s strengths
- The gift (and curse) of Sachin Tendulkar
- Writing his first book Beyond the Blues
- The problem with being fully honest
- Writing for happiness
- Enjoying the game through the tough times
- Finding empathy during the course of criticism
- … and much more
Participants:
Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)
Ashoka (@ABVan)
Books by Aakash Chopra:
Beyond the Blues: A Cricket Season Like No Other – Aakash Chopra
Out of the Blue: Rajasthan’s Road to the Ranji Trophy – Aakash Chopra
The Insider – Aakash Chopra
Related:
Aakash Chopra’s ESPNcricinfo columns
Tarak Sinha’s 40-year labor of love – Sharda Ugra
First time I was scared… – Aakash Chopra YouTube channel
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Lead image from here