Having visited India a number of dozens of instances for the final 40 years, legendary Australian cricketer Steve Waugh mentioned he nonetheless can’t get sufficient of the nation, and is drawn to see the true India. “There’s something about India that will get in your system. It’s fairly fascinating. I simply love watching folks going about their lives. Simply how individuals who appear to be up in opposition to the percentages, who’ve this nice angle to life. They get on with it, have a go. They don’t complain. And I actually resonate with that angle and people values. That’s the reason I come again to India many times,” he advised The Hindu in an unique dialog. From cricket, to images, to mentoring and management, to philanthropy, to entrepreneurship, he talked about various matters in two sit down conversations in Sydney and in Mumbai. He additionally revealed his health mantra.
He didn’t overlook to want Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar his greatest, for changing into the tourism ambassador of Australia. He had some phrases of knowledge for the youthful era. He batted for India–Pakistan cricket matches once more, saying he will probably be glad to play a task, if he may. After being appointed on the advisory board of the Centre for Australia–India Relations, this was his first go to to India. He spoke concerning the widespread bonds that bind each the nations, why he sees wealthy prospects of collaboration between India and Australia, and the way Australia needs to be part of India’s progress story.
Steve Waugh, after retiring from cricket 20 years in the past, didn’t go to the commentary field. He traded the bat for a digicam as an alternative. Even right this moment, he’s extra comfy carrying his digicam with him, chronicling moments. He has introduced out espresso desk books, has authored 14 books, and has gone out to numerous locations in India to click on frames there. When requested what drew him to India and click on pictures right here, he mentioned, “I really like going out on the streets, assembly the true folks and seeing why cricket is such a passionate pursuit for many Indians. It’s like an obsession. I actually prefer to seize it via my images. Australia and India have gotten an incredible relationship. Each when it comes to sports activities and different issues. There are fairly humble people right here,” he mentioned.
Steve Waugh on why he loves coming to India, friendship with Sachin Tendulkar, Kolkata Check
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The Hindu
When requested about his journey to this point, and the way he obtained into newer issues at every juncture, he mentioned, “It has been fairly wonderful. I had by no means thought that any of this could actually occur however what cricket did train me was that something is feasible when you put your thoughts to it. It makes you assume, possibly it’s not as arduous as I believed it was. Might it’s charity, writing 14 books, doing images, being concerned in mentoring and management. Numerous issues I’ve achieved. I had by no means thought I’ll do them. However then, entrepreneurial points — I’ve all the time loved being concerned in enterprise. It’s a problem.”
New juncture – entrepreneurship
And that’s his latest problem. Not solely has he began his own entrepreneurial venture – Essence Australia, which was launched lately in India, however he has additionally been appointed on the advisory committee of Centre for Australia India Relations (CAIR). “I’m very keen about India–Australia relationship, the alternatives after being related to the nation for 40 years via charities, enterprise. That’s the reason i made a decision to affix the CAIR Board, so I could make a distinction,” he mentioned.
He additionally added that Australia needed to be part of India’s progress story. “It’s a nice alternative to do enterprise right here. India, everyone knows, is a booming financial system. Australia needs to be concerned there. There are some nice unbelievable distinctive merchandise in Australia that I believe the Indian market is prepared for.”
Indo-Pak cricket
When requested about cricket and if he would play any position in bringing India and Pakistan to play cricket collectively once more, he mentioned, “If I can, I’d. However there are greater powers at play right here. It might’t occur at this level is an actual disgrace. As a result of sports activities can overcome that. It’s unlucky. There’s something extra highly effective which says it may’t occur. However you’d need to see that change. It is going to be above my pay grade (to attempt to make it occur), however sure, why not? You bought to strive issues. It’s simple to surrender. Something is feasible with the fitting will and intent.”
Favorite vacation spot
And whereas he recollects warmly about his visits to the deserts of Rajasthan, to the backwaters of Kerala, what has actually stayed with him is taking part in cricket with the monks at Dharamshala. “There are such a lot of stunning locations in India. However I cherished being up in north within the mountains someplace. I wish to see some wildlife and nature. That’s the place I’m most at peace, away from the hustle and bustle. I prefer to loosen up and take in nature,” he mentioned.
Finest and worst cricketing moments whereas taking part in with India
“Lots of people would need me to say 2001 Kolkata – however it was an incredible second in cricket historical past to see that partnership go up. If Laxman or Dravid would have given us a wicket, we’d have gained, however that’s historical past in cricket. I believed we may have gained the check match in Chennai, which we misplaced. Possibly the Chennai check match was extra disappointing for me. We had an incredible second within the 1987 World Cup. That was an incredible cricketing second in opposition to India. Eden Backyard. There have been plenty of nice cricketing moments in India,” he mentioned.
Favorite Indian participant?
“Favorite? That’s arduous to say – Dravid and Tendulkar, Harbhajan singh – he saved getting wickets in opposition to us. He did essentially the most injury within the 2001 collection. An excellent batsman. However actually, that’s all the time a difficult query. There have been some wonderful gamers – Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dravid, Tendulkar. It is extremely troublesome to choose one. I’d avoid it. They’re all very excellent.”
About Sachin and daughter Sara
When requested if he had dialled Sachin Tendulkar after reaching Mumbai, he mentioned, “I do maintain in touch with Sachin. I respect him enormously. He’s an icon within the recreation. Indians love him. He’s cherished over the world. After we performed with one another, we saved our distance and revered one another. However now, we have now turn out to be good mates.” Giving greatest needs to Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara for being appointed because the model ambassador of Australia Tourism, he mentioned, “That’s an incredible appointment. She ought to get pleasure from and expertise as a lot Australia as she will be able to, as a result of typically you’re taking it without any consideration the place you reside. Usually your yard, there’s rather more to see. Australians see extra of Australia, Indians see extra of India, and upon getting accomplished it, Indians come to Australia, and Australians come to India.”
Well being mantra
“I try to keep wholesome. I do Pilates twice every week, go to health club a few instances in every week, I stroll my canine twice a day. I try to keep lively. If there’s an possibility of taking the steps or taking the elevate, I take the steps. I try to keep lively and maintain shifting,” mentioned the 60-year previous legendary cricketer who has donned many hats by now.
Printed – September 13, 2025 09:44 am IST
