As a 90’s kid, my childhood memories are adorned with midnight World Cup matches, the silent excitement of waking up to watch cricket and the iconic players who graced the field. In the transition phase of Indian cricket, one name stood out—Javagal Srinath, the new ball bowler who seamlessly filled the shoes of the great Kapil Dev.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Mr. Javagal Srinath during his visit to Visakhapatnam as a match official for the India-Australia T20 cricket match. The anticipation was high, and my first concern was whether he would be approachable for a quick photo. Thankfully, the experience turned out to be far beyond my expectations.

Meeting Mr. Srinath revealed not just a cricketing legend but a humble personality with a contagious smile. We spent a delightful 45 minutes with him, during which he expressed his appreciation for the Vizag Runners Group’s initiative in promoting a healthy lifestyle through the Sandhya Marine Vizag Marathon. He graciously shared a few words on camera, encouraging the public to join the movement of embracing morning walks or runs.

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Mr. Srinath’s humility extended to his admiration for Visakhapatnam’s landscapes, a city he always enjoyed visiting during his cricketing career. This connection to the city added a personal touch to our conversation.

What struck me the most was Mr. Srinath’s approachability. As a national cricketer and the spearhead of India’s bowling attack for nearly a decade, I expected a reserved demeanor. Instead, I found him to be remarkably interactive, even expressing genuine interest in my profession as an Oncologist.

Beyond his cricketing prowess, Mr. Srinath’s compassionate side shone through when he discussed a friend’s daughter being treated in Delhi for cancer. This unexpected glimpse into his caring nature added another layer to my admiration for the man.

Reflecting on his cricketing days, one word comes to mind was consistency. Much like the great Glenn McGrath of Australia, Mr. Srinath’s unwavering line and length made him a formidable force. The lethal duo of Venkatesh Prasad and Srinath, with their swinging pace, often left opponents struggling.

While primarily a bowler, Mr. Srinath’s batting performances are noteworthy. The unforgettable partnership with Anil Kumble in the Titan Cup 1996 against Australia showcased their resilience and determination, turning a seemingly lost match into a nail-biting victory.

As Mr. Srinath embarks on his journey as an ICC official, I extend my best wishes for his future endeavors. My gratitude knows no bounds for the autograph he kindly signed on the T-shirt I wore, making this encounter a cherished memory.

In the world of cricket, Javagal Srinath is not just a legend but a down-to-earth personality who continues to inspire and connect with fans like me.https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/former-cricketer-javagal-srinath-clicked-waiting-for-train-in-karnataka-8134272/