No adda with Archana Vijaya — former IPL presenter and a star anchor — is complete without a bit of cricket. All the more when cricket is trending. With the World Cup on in full swing and India off to a blistering start, we caught up with the glam and gorgeous Ballygunge girl when she zipped through the city recently.
Are you watching the World Cup?
Yes and why would I not? I watched yesterday’s match too (India vs Australia, which India won by 36 runs)… unbelievable! I love how we have matured as a team. Even when I see Virat Kohli’s gesture… what he did with the fans and (Steve) Smith. You know, he has grown so much as a cricketer and a leader. I have seen the aggressive Virat. He infused that aggression. The way he has evolved as a leader is unbelievable. It is really, really commendable.
India, the way they are performing, are a solid, solid side. Yesterday they put enough runs on the board for the bowlers to defend and they beat Australia. They are five-time World Cup champions. There used to be this India-Pakistan rivalry. In the last 10 years when I presented cricket, it was the India-Australia rivalry. I was so happy that they won yesterday and I really hope that they go from strength to strength and kiss the Cup and bring it home. With the way we have started, I would believe… India, India, India.
Virat Kohli during the Captain's Press Conference, in London, on May 23, 2019. The Cricket World Cup starts on Thursday May 30. (AP)
Are you watching all the matches?
Hmm… I’ll try to if I am not working or I am travelling.
Who else are you watching apart from India?
I like England. They started off as favourites because it is being held in England, the home advantage is always going to be there. They are a very good side, a resurgent England side. I like the New Zealand team not just because of the cricket that they play, but also because of the sort of spirit for the game that they have. They are really nice people.
Your favourite players would be…
I think Hardik Pandya is hitting the ball beautifully. Shikhar Dhawan… I mean come on! He scored on a big stage. He is definitely the one to watch out for. Our bowlers also… doing an incredible job. Kuldeep Yadav… (Yuzvendra) Chahal too… he had a four-wicket haul (vs South Africa).
What is your message for Virat Kohli?
Virat, you really embody the spirit of the game. You are a leader like no other and have managed to evolve into such a fine human being and a great cricketer. You are leading the team from the front. Of course, the runs help. You have fine-tuned yourself into one of the greatest cricketers India has ever seen. And, all the best!
Archana’s fave XI…
- Steve Smith
- Virat Kohli
- Eoin Morgan
- M.S. Dhoni
- Jos Buttler
- Nathan Coulter-Nile
- Tim Southee
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Mitchell Starc
- Kagiso Rabada
