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Promising a new innings
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Cricketer Aakash Chopra is as much at ease at the crease as he is at the lunch table
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Photo: Anu Pushkarna
Game for a vegetarian fare A relaxed Aakash Chopra relishing his lunch at Café Uno, Shangri-La hotel
Aakash Chopra is a meticulous cricketer. From his cricket gear to organised batting, the emphasis is on quality. There is never a hurried movement on the field for this stylish Delhi and India opener. Now engaged in a fierce exercise to regain his pl
ace in the national team, Aakash presents a blend of poise and composure.
Not the one to miss a training session, Aakash is a firm believer in destiny. “I will get what is marked for me,” is his simple philosophy as he analyses his batting at the end of a session at the Ferozeshah Kotla. Modern cricket demands constant monitoring of your game and Aakash is adept at it. He can indulge in cricket analysis for endless hours.
The cricket field is obviously the preferred place to meet but Aakash, a widely travelled player, is game for a rendezvous at Café Uno in Shangri-La hotel on New Delhi’s Ashoka Road. The modern and international concept of interactive kitchen theatres is a key feature of the restaurant.
Aakash finishes his training at the Kotla and drives down to the Café Uno. “Never been here,” admits the soft-spoken batsman, known for his passion to keep improving his technique. “Batting is all about possessing the right technique.”
Located at the lobby level, overlooking lush green gardens through wall-to-ceiling glaze glass panes, Café Uno is a 24-hour contemporary culinary retreat with mood-lighting and elegant colours.
Aakash is famished. “Skipped breakfast because of practice,” he says. He makes a quick survey of the surroundings before settling down. “Café Uno offers a-la carte and buffet options,” tells Ananya Chakraborti, our host. The menu has an exhaustive selection of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine.
“I am a vegetarian,” Aakash announces proudly and proceeds to begin his innings with Caesar salad.
“Cricket has been a very exciting journey. From Sonnet Club to Delhi to India, I have enjoyed every bit of it. Winning a place was a dream come true and losing it was a lesson. Never take things for granted. I have worked hard on my game and am looking forward to a recall,” says the opener.
The salad warms up Aakash. “I have enjoyed facing the fast bowlers. It is a hard job but an essential part of my cricket.” From the wily Glen McGrath to the fearsome Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar, bowlers have come to rate Aakash a quality batsman.
Lavish praise
Aakash’s tight defence and sobering presence at one end was one of the bright spots of India’s tour to Australia in 2003. He did not score a fifty but his contribution was worthy of some lavish praise from coach John Wright. “Aakash brings solidity at the top,” said the Kiwi, not to forget his skills when fielding in close-in positions.
A plate of Lebanese hummus, babagaunuge keeps Aakash engaged as he builds his innings for a longer ‘occupancy’ at Café Uno. “Australia was a wonderful experience. I learnt so much on that tour.” An aggregate of 186 runs in four Tests did not quite reflect Aakash’s stellar performance in blunting the Aussies.
Having spent time at the ‘crease’, Aakash is enjoying his lunch now. “Spaghetti tomato and veggies” is his choice from a lavish spread, ignoring rajma-rice. “No one cooks rajma better than my mom,” he smiles.
The competition for the opener’s slot had intensified but Aakash suffered due to some inconsistent selection policies. Under constant pressure to perform, his form took a dip and scores of 0, 5, 9 and 1 against Australia at home in 2004 cost him his place.
It has been a tough task for him since as he charts his way back into reckoning. Domestic cricket has offered him opportunities but nothing better than the double century he hit recently against South Africa ‘A’ making him a contracted player. And the first step towards a comeback has been taken. Aakash is confidence personified as he prepares for the most crucial season of his career. A strong contender for the opener’s slot for the forthcoming tour to Australia, Aakash ends his meticulous ‘innings’ at the Café Uno with a fitting dessert – blueberry crumble, mango cake and chocolate profit roll.
VIJAY LOKAPALLY
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