Usain bolt Familiarity with the fast life is a perfect explanation for why he picked up T20 as his favorite type of cricketing format. Sport runs in his veins thanks to his father’s passionate influence.
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While growing up in Jamaica, Bolt, hailed as one of the greatest athletes in history and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, always wanted to become a fast bowler. Currently, this dream has come true at T20 World Cup where he is serving as an ambassador for cricket. “It’s great. You know, I didn’t get to be a cricketer, that was my dream and so it’s fantastic being an ambassador for T20 World Cup,” Bolt added in reports from PTI during an interview over the phone from New York.
By 2017, this famous athlete who holds world records for both 100m and 200m events had ended his exceptional career. He still possesses the attraction which no one else can replace after seven years.
As he walked towards a makeshift cricket ground that was created from one of three venues of T20 World Cup recently held in United States whence it hosted India verses Pakistan match on June 9th.The childlike glee with which he spoke about cricket was evident.
Over the last few months he has been globe trotting courtesy of music business, football among others leaving him with little time to watch live matches on TV including IPL which is going on now and still keep up with some of them.
“I did not see all as many as I would have liked but when I do have time I will try and catch some Twenty twenties”, replied The Lightning.
Bolt is still thrilled by speed that’s why he thinks T20 is the ultimate variable format in game itself.
“Tweny twentrys’, yes truly …..when they started it was good idea and till date it still remains so; because you need to be aggressive and physical as well as have strategies, set up the field and run behind the ball with speed mission accomplished.
Bolt is not alone in the Caribbean’s fascination for the shortest type of cricket. Most of the best cricketers from this area are more famous for their T20 leagues than their contributions to West Indies’ cause.
Test cricket on the other hand has been under serious threat in the world today and especially in West Indies due to rampant popularity of T20 cricket. Bolt also thinks that future looks like it’s ready to smack this format.
“I think t20 and odi huge still in West indies. Actually people don’t like test cricket that much. So to me, I think for example big hitters like Andre Russell speed does matter (for this game),” he said.
“That way it would draw more people into following sport because they appreciate being excited,” he added.
First time ever, United States is hosting a global cricket tournament; even though currently immigrants from South Asia and Carribeans dominate professional cricket here (Bolt believes US communities will gradually embrace and participate in this game too).
“The game can certainly progress there (USA I mean). When you do business in a country, people start to be attracted to it and want learn more things.”
‘Kohli is undoubtedly an outstanding one’.
Remembering back his childhood years when he was growing up in Jamaica that Bolt endured watching numerous matches of cricket with his father during holiday periods. He can clearly recall Wasim Akram getting rid of batsmen using inswing yorker and still feels shivers down his spine at that moment.
The one with the swinging balls who is my best is Wasim Akram as I was growing up. Who are all these people that I’ve loved over the years and their fields have always been characterized by high level of dominance?
So, who in the Indian team does he especially look up to?
“Like my dad, I also am a fan of west indies (laugh). Still yet, oh yes, Sachin Tendulkar is an exception. Growing up with them made me feel like they were part of me. It’s a great rivalry,” he said when mentioning two legendary hitters.
In Bolt’s view, “Kohli has no rival.”
When asked as to whether the showman could switch into cricketer any time soon, Bolt replied.
“Me and Chris Gayle have a joke now; he says he can actually beat me over 100 metres. We hope to have a tournament and see what happens (laughs).
“When it comes to speed, I’m the boss. Right now I don’t think there’s any other cricket player on Earth who could challenge me (laughs),” Bolt said.
