Q] What is your biggest memory you associate with Cricket World Cups?
The best and earliest memories that I recollect are that of the World Cup India won in 1983 under Kapil Dev’s leadership. It was a turning point in the game of Indian cricket where Indian cricket was raised to a different level. Indian cricketers started getting recognition and a lot of respect and it also helped India to make a mark on the world stage.
Q] Since the beginning of the T20 World Cups back in 2007, the event has almost become one of the most awaited festivals in India among fans and brands. What is the first memory you associate with watching T20 World Cups?
My first memory goes back to the 2007 World Cup, the first T20 World Cup that India won in South Africa and the memory was about Mahindra Singh Dhoni trusting the abilities of the young Joginder Sharma who bowled the last ball and managed to get Misbah-ul-Haq out, leading India to victory. It signifies the ability of the captain to take calculated risks and trust his team mates at critical junctures by giving them the ability to shoulder larger responsibilities.
Q] Over decades we’ve seen World Cups being one of the premier platforms for brands to launch campaigns that have now been etched in our memories. Any campaign that you recollect from World Cups that you admired the most?
One brand that has leveraged cricket to its maximum is Byju’s. The kind of association they have done and their partnerships with ICC and IPL for several years have given them the upper hand to become a household name. They have gained the trust and recognition in every Indian household which gives them a significant increase in their branding prowess.
Q] Through the years, we’ve seen cricketers Indian and foreign become household names with their exhilarating performances in World Cups and leagues like IPL. Who is your all-time favourite T20 cricketer and who are you looking forward to seeing the most in the upcoming T20 World Cup in October?
My favourite T20 cricketer is called the ‘Universal Boss’ and Chris Gayle is my all-time favourite because he was possibly born to play this format and literally destroyed the careers of so many bowlers around the world.
Q] With the ICC WT20 2022 around the corner and with an IPL recently concluded, which nation according to you holds the edge in winning the coveted championship?
Australia is the defending champions. They won the previous World Cup in 2021 in UAE and they have it in them to win again. Team Australia also has the advantage of playing on their home grounds which is a plus.
I would like to see Australia win the upcoming T20 World Cup as tribute to the three cricketing legends we lost recently – Shane Warne, Rod Marsh, and Andrew Symonds.
