JOIN USAustralian cricketer Andrew Tye’s first brush with the bat and ball happened when he was playing cricket in his backyard as a 5-year-old.
Growing up, he idolised Brett Lee and Shane Warne and today, he’s thrilled when he says that interacting and playing with all his childhood heroes is a dream come true.
“I always look forward to playing in India. Different people have different perceptions about the country. I find 2 extreme kinds of people living here — the rich are getting richer and the poor remain where they are,” observes Andrew, who is a prominent player for the Gujarat Lions team during this season of the IPL.
He was recently in the city for a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Andrew looks at cricket as his job and doesn’t attach too much of importance to the glamour surrounding the game.
“I approach every game as my job and every match as a new challenge. But unlike the other professions, there’s no quick promotion or a higher ranking in cricket. It takes a lot of time to get recognition in this sport,” he explains.
He says that he understood why cricket is like a religion in India. “People of all age groups have a keen understanding of the game and are passionate about watching their favourite player in action. Cricket is a way of life in India,” he adds.
He recollects his experience of obliging so many people for pictures during one of the IPL matches in Hyderabad.
When Andrew is not playing cricket, then he says that he plays golf with his family and friends. And being a part of a golf club helps him stay in touch with golf.
The charming cricketer is just at ease in the kitchen as he is on the cricket pitch.
“I experiment with making different variations of ‘chicken’ and ‘lamb chops’. I relish these 2 dishes and can never get enough of them. I cook for myself but my cooking becomes more exciting when I am making something special during family get togethers or for my friends,” he shares.
Bengaluru and Mumbai are 2 of Andrew’s favourite places to explore different kinds of cuisines. “When I am in Bengaluru, I have a few favourite restaurants where I spend time. If I have more time, then I never leave without playing a round of golf at the golf course,” he adds.
He says that he’s not much of a shopper and does a bit of sightseeing only if he has the time. Andrew has a piece of advice for all the young, aspiring cricketers. He says, “If one truly wants to become a cricketer, then one should get out onto the cricket pitch and play like he or she is the best player.”