Tarun sent me a link this morning titled 'Well Done, Ravi Teja and Selectors'. I opened it and found that it was written by Tarun's uncle and a highly respected figure in Hyderabad's cricketing circles Mr Maheshwar Singh who had been a first class cricketer and selector and continues to be a coach.
In fact Mr Maheshwar Singh was a selector when we won the Ranji Trophy in 1986-87, Hyderabad's last win at that stage. I had played the first two games in that season and was dropped for the third after a rather uninspiring show (I will attest that myself). But what I will always remember of Mr Maheshwar Singh was that he called me at my home residence number and spoke to me. He told me that I should not feel dejected and should work hard and come back. I did not heed his words and went on to study Engineering but to this day I remember that he called me. It showed a human side to an otherwise heartbreaking time for a sportsman - competitive sport is ruthless. I aspired to be someone like that as a selector - but sadly I am not. Another aspect of Mr Maheshwar Singh was that he was always approachable with a warm smile and an open heart, had no agenda and was always keen to give good feedback to help you improve.
So when someone of his stature and understanding of the game writes some good words about your work its worth its weight in gold. I remember how keen a student of the game he remains - just a few years ago when Mr Baig was coaching in ML Jaisimha Academy, Mr Singh came one day to ask a few technical questions and discuss the same with Mr Baig. They were almost contemporaries, perhaps Mr Baig was slightly older and perhaps more experienced as a coach, but the humility with which Mr Maheshwar Singh approached him and the intense conversation they both had was worth recording.
Anyway, here's what he wrote about the Hyderabad team's performance so far in the Buchi Babi tournament where they have entered the finals. All pertinent points, expressed articulately, fearlessly.
https://orangenews9.com/well-done-ravi-teja-and-selectors/
I called him up and spoke to him and told him that he was one person who would understand the pains of selectors. He was modest as always - said he wrote what was factual. In a world where we are used to people twisting truths, stating facts is an act of rebellion. We had a nice chat.
Thanks Maheshwar Singh sir. And thanks Tarun for sharing.
4 comments:
Hari, I have been meaning to congratulate you on getting the selection job. This is as good a time as any to do so!! Happy that we did so well in the Buchi Babu tournament. As far as I can remember, Maheshwar Singh used to open for our team, Hyderabad, in the 70's. A very competent batsman. Nice to know he is still doing something for the game.
Thanks Anon for your kind words (can't see your name hence - would love to know though). Since you commented, we won the tournament. Mr Maheshwar Singh is very much active, one of the sane voices in Hyderabad cricket.
Hari, this is Ali, Kamran's cousin! I thought I did mention my name! Old age catching up maybe. Sorry, have not been able to comment on your blog for a long time. I am back from Dubai for good now.
Hi Ali, no issues. Just glad to see your comment. You could reach out to Mr Maheshwar Singh now that you're back.
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