JOIN US'I always wanted to come to India'
Dating a cricketer comes with many challenges and perks. But for Danielle Willis, the girlfriend of ‘Pune Warriors India’ player Steve Smith, the experience is all too new to digest.
A student in Sydney, Danielle says that she is still getting used to the media attention and trying to find time for Steve.
With her holidays going on, she was more than happy when Steve invited her to join him for the IPL tour.
“We have only been dating for the past four months and it’s a fairly new relationship. That’s why it’s very important for us to spend as much time as we can together.
Plus, I always wanted to come to India and since I am on vacation, I thought it would be a perfect time to do both,” Danielle tells Metrolife during her first visit to the City.
While she met the cricketer through common friends, Danielle says that in this short time, she has found Steve to be energetic both on and off-field. “Steve loves his cricket and you know that from the moment you meet him.
Apart from that, what I really like about Steve is the fact that he is so sweet, cute and extremely down-to-earth. He really knows how to look after a lady and at this point in time, we are very happy in each other’s company,” she blushes.
Being an adventurous person, Danielle loves venturing out and exploring new places. While in Pune, she went to some of the old markets and shopped to her heart’s content. In Bangalore, she stuck to just the malls.
“I didn’t really get enough time to shop in Bangalore. But I did go to Phoenix Mall, which I hear is a new addition to the City, and really liked it,” she adds.
Her adventurous streak continues in what she eats as well. “Both Steve and I love trying out new things. And we have tried out Indian food back in Sydney. But after tasting the real deal, I couldn’t get over the spices,” she laughs.
If there is one image of India she cannot get over, then it’s the way people drive in the country. “It surprised me. The first time we travelled from the airport to the hotel, I was taken aback. Everyone goes everywhere, which is so unlike Sydney.
But somehow, it seems to work out here,” she says. Danielle was also happy to see how passionate people are about cricket in India. “Back in Australia, cricket is huge but it is nothing compared to what it is here. The energy in the stadium is something I will take back home with me,” she sums up.