Game is not your life, it is just a start to your life

“Game is not your life, it is just a start to your life”, says Vaibhav Rawal, an Indian cricketer who plays for Delhi in domestic cricket & member of Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the Indian Premier League. Our correspondent Anubha got to talk to him about his journey & believes. Read excerpt here:

What motivated you to become a cricketer?

My uncle, Mr. Ajay Verma was the person who motivated me to become a cricketer. He used to be a cricket player and my upbringing is done by him only. Since then, I dream to play for India to fulfil his ambition and make him proud.

You were selected in the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in IPL 2015, so what was the feeling all together?

It is extremely pleasurable & I was very excited because playing in IPL is a very big platform. Also, I was particularly amped about sharing the dressing room with such legends in the game who represent our country and make the country proud.

What are the leanings you have had so far?

There was a great deal of things that I learnt which helped me evolve as a cricketer and an individual. I leant how to handle myself socially while concentrating on the game. This journey made me take in a considerable measure about time management.

How did you maintain balance between studies and cricket in your school days?

I used to study one month prior to my examination and kept cricket at during that time. My mother and uncle were very supportive and guided me to complete my education at first.

These days parents want their kids to focus more on studies rather than curricular activities like sports, what is your take on that?

I would always advice parents to encourage and motivate their children to get involve in curricular activities along with education because that not only builds up their personality but also lets them have a career out of it.

What do you feel is the best preparation for this career?

The preparation should be that a person should be focused towards the game, no matter what obstacle comes in your way. You should understand what is important for you and what is definitely not. Keeping the process & focus right is very important for pursuing any passion. If you want to be the best then you need to follow a rigid process to improve yourself.

What do you think are the main challenges for an aspiring cricketer? 

The basic challenge is of time management. Once you are out in fields, you don’t get to spend ample time with your family. You have to focus on your game which at times becomes very hectic. The challenges include keeping yourself calm and focused during the game and not get distracted & disheartened by anything.

What advice do you want to give to budding cricketers?

The advice is that there is no substitute to hard work. Individuals shouldn’t go for shortcuts and be more focused & disciplined in their life. Your attitude in general life reflects from your game.

Correspondent Anubha Das