– Boria Majumdar
It was 1am in the morning when David Warner responded to the message. He hadn’t seen his phone with all the celebrations around and had just come online then. Soon after he had seen the interview request, he called back. “I am so happy mate. Can’t tell you how happy and relieved I am at the same time”, he couldn’t check his emotions. With the Australians flying back early morning on a charter flight, he wanted to do the interview then itself and with raw emotions flowing out, the timing couldn’t be better.
This was David Warner after winning the man of the tournament in the world T-20 in Dubai in November 2021.
In the lead up, he was on a low. Dropped by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he had to prove a point to many. And just like in 2013 after the Joe Root incident or Sandpapergate in 2018, he did. And in style.
“When you are dropped from the team you have loved the most for years without any real fault of yours and stripped of captaincy without being given a reason it hurts. At the same time there are no complaints mate. The fans in India have always been there for me and it is for them that you play. We play to entertain. We play to push for excellence. Whatever may have been the reason for me not finding a spot in an IPL team, I can tell you in all honesty I was working the hardest and training the hardest I ever did. Not a single day did a miss. I was batting extremely well in the nets and it was only a matter of time before it all started to work out. So yes while it hurt, I knew I will have another opportunity. Sport is a great leveller and if you are true to the sport and keep working hard you will always have a second chance. I just wanted to keep working the hardest and stay true. I am glad it worked out for me.”
Ahead of his 100th Test, the situation was similar. His captaincy ambitions were shattered and his place in the Test side questioned. And yet again David responded in the way he does. On the field. With the bat. And in front of a raucous MCG crowd.
200 unbeaten in his 100th Test. Can there be a better riposte? Can there be a better way to prove your critics wrong? Make the Christmas and New Year truly special for Candice and the girls?
For one who works the hardest and is a true devotee of the sport, this is a fair reward. Cricket gods know he deserves it. And David will do everything to enrich the sport and leave a legacy.
That’s why he says, “When you play for your country there is no bigger motivation. That’s the ultimate reward for a sportsperson. To make your people proud and happy. To make your family happy. I can’t wait to see Candice and the girls for they will know I was able to do something for them and the country. I want to make a difference for my team and I always look forward to the challenge. We are fortunate to play the sport we love and you need to be true to it each day you play.”