Indian cricket legend Syed Kirmani held an interactive session with media persons at The White Owl Bookstore, Niathu Plaza, Chümoukedima, on Sunday. The event is part of the White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, scheduled from February 17 to 19 at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima.
Reflecting on India’s historic 1983 World Cup win, Kirmani recalled that the team entered as underdogs and defied expectations. “We were the fourth weakest team in the competition, and nobody thought we would even qualify for the knockout stage. But we surprised everyone,” he said.
During the discussion about the 1983 World Cup final, where he was behind the stumps, Kirmani stated that he never felt any pressure, emphasizing that his focus was always on doing his job and keeping the Tri-Color flying high.
When asked about his book, Kirmani described “Stumped” as an inspirational account of his journey, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices he endured to succeed in cricket.
He also mentioned that his autobiography, “Stumped”, recently launched, provides a detailed account of his journey, struggles, and sacrifices.
“The highlight of my autobiography is how I climbed the ladder of success, right from the time I was born,” he added. Kirmani emphasized that his book serves as guidance for young players, helping them navigate challenges and fulfill their potential.
On the evolution of cricket, Kirmani highlighted the differences between his playing era and the modern game.,“In our time, we had no coaches, no trainers, and no guidance. Today’s players have access to top-notch technology, personalized coaching, and scientific training. The game has changed, and that’s a good thing,” he stated.
On the Test Cricket vs. T20 debate, he reaffirmed that Test Cricket remains the ultimate format. He said noted that test Cricket was the foundation, which teaches the fundamentals of the game. T20 is exciting and brings new changes, but Test Cricket remains the real test of skill, he said.
When asked about politics in sports, Kirmani acknowledged its presence but noted that “politics is global—somewhere it is more, somewhere it is less.” On the question of who should run the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he stated: “It does not matter if it’s a cricketer, administrator, businessman, or politician—whoever does a great job will always be appreciated.”
Kirmani also visited the Nagaland Cricket Stadium and other developing grounds, praising the Nagaland Cricket Association’s (NCA) efforts in providing facilities for upcoming cricketers. He expressed his willingness to associate with NCA to share his experiences and support the game in the state.
“Do not give up. Believe in yourself with sincerity and hard work. Don’t be disappointed if you are dropped even when you are the best in that competition,” Kirmani advised young aspiring cricketers.
Kirmani will address a session at the White Owl Literature Festival on February 17 at 11 AM at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima.