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The Aussie we love!
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Steve Waugh tells Vijay Lokapally why he is so popular in India
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Photo: Sandeep Saxena
Committed to Charity Steve Waugh in New Delhi
He spent his life playing cricket; until he bowed out gracefully to a thunderous ovation at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Five years have passed since that resplendent day. The sight of Indian players converging from all corners of the field to tap him on his farewell walk to the dressing room, his gait as measured and brisk as always, shall remain a high point of India-Australia cricket. Heroes never fade and Steve Waugh is one.
He pursued cricket with a rare passion. Waugh would have turned out for the team even on his wedding day. Such was his commitment. He continues to travel as a sporting ambassador of his country, carrying messages of peace and harmony, conquering hearts off the field in a new role – as a messiah of the underprivileged.
Waugh figured in 168 Tests and 325 one-day matches to emerge a legend in his own way. He earned rare recognition and salutation for his guts. That unforgettable eye-ball to eye-ball confrontation with Curtly Ambrose is still vivid when the two had to be separated.
Life after cricket has been as eventful for Waugh even if his association with the game is symbolic. “My main involvement is with the MCC World Cricket meeting that happens twice a year at Lord’s. I like to stay in the background and pass on advice based on what I’ve learnt from playing 18 years for Australia. I stay in contact with quite a few players and that keeps me involved.” He has his priorities in place.
Waugh played cricket very hard, not conceding an inch. Yet, he became the most popular Australian in India. His distress at the sad happenings back home was not surprising. “I am shocked and saddened by the reports about the experiences some Indian students have recently had in Australia. We don’t want anyone to feel unsafe in Australia. Australia is a friendly country that welcomes people from overseas. The safety and security of any young person in a foreign country is a serious concern and paramount, and something we should all work towards.”
Making a difference
A widely-travelled cricketer, Waugh, 44, is well versed with life. What steps would he suggest to make the world a better place to live in? His response was quick. “I guess people have to be more tolerant of each other. Many people have a very short fuse these days.”
The affable Aussie was in town to launch the Indian chapter of his Foundation which aims to “make a serious difference in the lives of the underprivileged children.” No wonder, he was universally loved for his generous ways.
Charity has been close to his heart and he explains why. “Charity is very important for me. It’s a significant part of my life. Those in the privileged position have an obligation towards the less fortunate. My interest in this area began with my meeting with Mother Teresa many years ago when I toured India. And I realised what I had to do, with my commitment, to bring about the difference in the lives of those who don’t have enough to survive.”
For this man, charity does not mean just lending his name or donating his playing gear for auction in order to raise funds.
Why did he think he was so popular in India? “Why I am so popular? One of the reasons could be that I lost that series here (in 2001). I think people here admire the way we (Australians) play our cricket. We play it aggressively and in a positive way. People here have also seen the kind of work Udayan (a charity home in Kolkata he promotes) has done in the past so many years. I was lucky to get opportunities to be involved in charity from my playing days. It feels nice to be received so well.”
The canvas of Waugh’s journey as a senior statesman of world cricket has grown manifold with this new chapter of philanthropy.
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