BENGALURU: For someone who is known to be a stickler for routine, life during lockdown can get frustrating. India Test opener Mayank Agarwal , however, has done well to fight the blues.
The 29 – year-old, when not playing, is known for criss-crossing the city for his fitness routines and training. He is usually at the nets less than 42 hours after arriving from a long overseas tour.
But given the prevailing circumstances, Mayank hasn’t had a nets session in five weeks. Instead of sulking, the talented batsman has embraced the situation, is grateful for what he has and is living in the present rather than thinking about the future.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview …
How difficult is it for a busy cricketer to become a home bird?
When the lockdown was imposed, for a brief while I felt like I was not an asset anymore. It was like my contribution went from something to nothing. Suddenly I needed to do something apart from my
sport which would help me add value at home, and at the same time upgrade myself.
Is this the longest time you’ve been completely away from cricket?
Yes, probably the longest I haven’t been able to bat in the nets. For most of us who are used to having a busy schedule and routine, it is tough not to be doing what we are used to. The break is nice, yes. But not having something to look forward to, and not knowing when this is all going to get over and we can get back to the routine, is a little strange.
As much as we are hard-working, we also have to be flexible in understanding the situation and responding accordingly. For me, it is about accepting the situation, which was to help out at home, and back the government by staying indoors, following the guidelines and contributing in whatever way I could.
Quarantine reading : Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Have you read it? What are you thought… https://t.co/Ht7rsE9xra — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket)
How much did Vipassana (meditation technique) help?
A lot, Because meditation is a journey inward. It is about knowing and understanding yourself better. It creates awareness and helps you respond to situations better. Having gone through that (the course) and having lots more time now at hand to go back to that journey again has helped.
Has this time also helped you reflect on life?
Yes. It’s made me even more grateful for everything I have and whatever we have been blessed with. I feel fortunate for the three meals I eat. I think as a sportsman we’re blessed to have the opportunity to go out and play a sport. This phase has made me count my blessings more.
How difficult is it to maintain fitness routines at home?
Fitness for me is not just about working on the physical aspect. It is also a lot of mental discipline, because there are times during training or working out when you feel like stopping. You just don’t feel like pushing beyond the limits. As sportsmen, we know often the mind gives up before the body. So, having a mind-set to be fit helps in breaking that mental indiscipline.
How much has this time away from sport allowed you to pursue or develop another interest?
I want to make the most of it and come out of this phase a better or more complete person. I’ve spent my time cooking or helping in the kitchen and have realized simple things like chopping vegetables can be a huge contribution. I love reading and I’m catching up on a lot of it as well. I’ve also used this time to chat up with my family and friends, virtually.
Came up with a healthier option for dinner. Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa courtesy Chef Mayank! 😉👨🏽🍳… https://t.co/uTtWAveSSP — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket)
The book you’ve read recently?
‘The Power of Positive Thinking’ by Dr
message to young athletes who are waiting out this difficult period?
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As a kid, I dreamt of playing for India and I told myself, ‘I’ll do everything I can to get there.’ Be very clear in your mind on what you want to achieve and then chase your dreams, no matter what. Not everyone succeeds, but you should never be found lacking in hard work. This situation is not in our control, make the best use of this time. Use it to focus on what you want to do. Work on yourself, and don’t allow discipline to slip away. Also, work on becoming a better person. Remember, there are a lot of people who are struggling for a meal a day, so we have to be grateful for what we have.
does the uncertain future worry you?
In these times, it is important to think beyond our sport. The hard truth is that there are far more important things to worry about in the world than playing sport. If anything, we have to think about how we can contribute.
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