"I Never Wanted to Play Cricket": Kris Srikkanth Opens Up About His Early Days at Alma Mater's Sports Day Function

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the ever-amicable former Indian cricketer and captain(and doyen of many other hats), graced the Vidya Mandir Annual Sports Day as the chief guest. He arrived early, watched the performances, and presented awards to the outstanding sports students across various categories and age groups.

A Small Background:

The University Union Grounds, a venue that has hosted numerous cricket matches and where Vidya Mandir’s Annual Sports Day took place.( This writer speculates that even Srikkanth might have  played here)

This writer arrived  in Chennai to take part in practice sessions for the Division matches scheduled later that weekend. The writer stayed at an accommodation just near the University Union Grounds and was studying for his exams that were scheduled the next week. An event involving school students was taking place in the Union Grounds.The writer was least bothered to look out of the window, until he heard one name- "Krishnamachari Srikanth", and the rest is HISTORY , this ARTICLE!!!

BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO THE ARTICLE, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THE DELIVERY OF SRIKANTH’S MESSAGE DESERVES TO BE COMMENDED. NOWADAYS, THE YOUTH ARE NOT WILLING TO LISTEN TO ADVICE IN THE TRADITIONAL WAY.HE BROUGHT HIS WORDS TO LIFE(OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLE). I HOPE THAT HIS ENLIGHTENING SPEECH, THROUGH THIS ARTICLE SPREADS ACROSS THE DIGITAL SPHERE AND DOES NOT GET LOST IN OBLIVION.  

Enjoy All Parts of Life:

The ever-smiling Srikanth

A grand finale of  exercise-based dance performances(drills) by the young students set the stage. Srikkanth had just finished giving the awards to the sports achievers. Amid loud applause, Srikkanth began his speech, though the microphone initially gave some great trouble. 

He started by expressing his pride as a 1975 alumnus. His key message to students was to  enjoy every part of life, whether studies, sports, or hobbies. He further went on to say that marks dont matter and what matters is happiness! He urged parents and teachers not to pressure students to only study, but to let them discover their passions. Students should not be just told to study, study and study!

From No Dream of Playing for India to Becoming Captain

He emphasized self-belief, self-determination, dedication and passion as keys to success, sharing how he never dreamed of playing for India, but through dedication and teamwork, became captain of the Indian cricket team.He stressed that curiosity and lifelong learning are vital for success.

Not Everyone Needs to Be a "Shervani"  It's Okay to Win or Lose:

He enlighted the parents, emphasizing that every child should participate  in sports because it teaches vital life concepts such as winning and losing. This trait of accepting losses at an earlier age of life would be very helpful in future, where there would be larger hurdles right at their face. He pointed out that not everyone can be a "Shervani"and it's okay to both win and lose in games. Furthermore, he stressed that students must be free to do whatever brings enjoyment to them!!!

Critique of Overloaded School and Tution in School:

A Computer Scientist?

He engaged the crowd, asking what they learned from the drill. A small boy named Shravan shouted, “Teamwork!” Srikkanth praised him and reinforced how teamwork is crucial in any field, be it in cricket ,in family or even in studies!

He humorously contrasted today’s world with his school days, noting that parents rarely attended events then, and he found it wonderful to see so many now. He further said that most of the parents came only for the annual day. Srikant felt frustrated with the routine(school life) where students had classes from 8 to 3and then attended tuitions until 5. He felt tutions were unnecessary(calling it rubbish!) .He joked in Tamil(ithu paithyakaara thanam theriyala?) about the overload of homework and tuition, asking if students were so “dumb” they needed extra classes after school. According to him:

"The greatness of Vidya Mandir,atleast in my times was that you could do what you liked and as a result could become what you aspired"

Encouragement to Become a "Pistah":

IN PICTURE:- A "PISTAH"

Finally, he reminded students that Vidya Mandir is a place where they can shape their own careers, find what they love, and become achievers in anything they pursue.He also told everyone to think of becoming a "Pistah" in whatever they want to do. He was optimistic that one of the students standing before him, would go on to be invited as a chef guest for the same event in the future!!!

"You have to dream to become an achiever in anything you puruse, be it sports,studies or anything else. At the age of 14-15, I had the urge to be the number 1 in everything I pursued"

Cheeka and Srikanth:

He left them with a light-hearted note: if parents ever put pressure on them, they can just say “Cheeka” and if teachers put pressure , they can say "Srikanth".

And with that, amid cheers and applause, his thoughtful and inspiring speech concluded.

What a Man! What a speech! That's Cheeka for you!!!