In the latest episode of Lockin with Rapper Maddy, we dive deep into an engaging conversation with Vikrant Sharma, a passionate cricket player whose journey and philosophy about life and sport inspire both cricket enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. This episode, brought to you by Red Carpet Delhi and supported by our photography partners FuzzyReels, offers a rare glimpse into Vikrant’s early life, his cricketing passion, and his thoughts on life’s challenges. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or simply interested in stories of perseverance and passion, this article captures the essence of Vikrant’s story and the vibrant team supporting this venture.
Introduction: The Intersection of Cricket, Music, and Life
Lockin with Rapper Maddy is a podcast series that blends the world of cricket with music and personal stories, bringing fresh voices and perspectives to the forefront. In this episode, Vikrant Sharma steps up to the mic alongside Maddy, for a candid chat that goes beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.
Supported by Red Carpet Delhi and captured through the lens of FuzzyReels, the episode not only highlights Vikrant’s cricket journey but also showcases the vibrant community around the sport, including players like Herschelle Gibbs, Thisara Perera, Ashley Nurse, Richard Levi, Abhimanyu Mithun, Bipul Sharma, and many others. Sponsors such as Kent, BVCI, and 100 Sports back the team, creating a solid foundation for these stories to reach a wider audience. You can watch the full video here.
From Humble Beginnings to Cricket Dreams: Vikrant’s Early Life
Vikrant Sharma opens up about his upbringing in a typical Indian family, where education was prioritized over sports. His father worked at a bank, and the family consisted of several siblings, including a supportive elder brother who would later become Vikrant’s first and most steadfast supporter.
Unlike his siblings, Vikrant admits that academics never came naturally to him. However, his passion for cricket ignited after watching the 1992 Cricket World Cup, where legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Manoj Prabhakar inspired him profoundly. That moment was a turning point, awakening a deep love for the sport that would shape his life’s trajectory.
Despite his enthusiasm, Vikrant faced resistance from his family, especially his father, who emphasized the importance of studies and discouraged cricket as a viable career. The prevalent mindset in the 80s and 90s was that focusing on education would lead to a stable future, while sports were seen as a distraction.
“My father told me to study hard because if you study, you become a nawab, and if you play cricket, you end up wasting your time,” Vikrant recalls with a smile.
Yet, Vikrant’s determination was unwavering. He started playing cricket in his neighborhood streets and local clubs, often practicing with limited resources. He vividly remembers waking up at 4 a.m. to practice, wearing the same white cricket kit every day, washing and drying it overnight to be ready for the next day’s play. This dedication underlines the sacrifices and discipline required to pursue a dream in a society that did not initially support it.
Support Systems: The Role of Family and Mentors
While his father was hesitant about cricket, Vikrant found encouragement in other family members, particularly his elder brother and uncle. His elder brother not only supported but also motivated him to continue playing, even when it seemed like an uphill battle.
Mentorship also played a crucial role in Vikrant’s development. Coaches who recognized his potential guided him, advising that to reach higher levels, he would need to move beyond local cricket and play in more competitive environments such as Delhi. This advice pushed Vikrant to travel from Ghaziabad to Delhi daily, showcasing his commitment to improving his skills.
This journey was not easy. His days were long, starting early in the morning and ending late at night after practice sessions. Yet, Vikrant’s passion for cricket kept him going, often working silently through the nights to care for his equipment and prepare for the next day.
The Cricketing Career: Highlights and Memorable Moments
Vikrant’s cricket journey is filled with memorable moments, though he humbly downplays any sense of fame or recognition. He shares that while people in his hometown and city knew him as a cricket player, he never felt overwhelmed by the attention. Instead, he focused on playing the game and improving his craft.
When asked about the most thrilling moment in his cricket career, Vikrant points to the iconic 2011 Cricket World Cup victory, a moment that resonates deeply with every Indian cricket fan. That victory symbolized the pinnacle of Indian cricket and remains a source of inspiration for players and fans alike.
Philosophy on Life: Simple Yet Profound
Vikrant’s reflections on life reveal a grounded and thoughtful individual. He describes life as very simple but not easy. This paradox captures the essence of human existence—while the concept of life may be straightforward, navigating its challenges requires resilience and adaptability.
“Life is simple, but it’s not easy,” Vikrant emphasizes. “You have to face problems; you can’t run away from them. That’s the only way to grow.”
He talks about the importance of facing difficulties head-on and learning from them. For Vikrant, emotional responses like anger are natural and human but must be managed carefully to avoid self-damage. He advises his listeners to think before reacting in anger, as it often leads to unnecessary problems.
His insights into dealing with anxiety, depression, and sadness are practical and empathetic. He encourages people to pause and reflect, understanding that life’s problems are often exacerbated by emotional reactions rather than the problems themselves.
Cricket and Beyond: Hobbies and Passions
When Vikrant is not on the cricket field, he indulges in his love for cooking, especially on weekends. Interestingly, he prefers cooking vegetarian food only. This hobby adds a different dimension to his personality, showcasing his multifaceted interests beyond sports.
He credits his passion for cooking to his childhood and finds joy in preparing meals, especially dishes that bring comfort and satisfaction. His favorite food remains simple home-cooked dal and rice, and he highly appreciates the culinary skills of his wife, highlighting the warmth and support in his personal life.
Cricket Legends and Inspirations
Vikrant’s cricketing idols span both past and present, reflecting a deep respect for the game’s history and its current stars. When asked about the top five Indian cricketers of today, he names:
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Jasprit Bumrah
- KL Rahul
- Hardik Pandya
These players, according to Vikrant, have the power to change the course of matches with their exceptional skills.
For all-time greats, Vikrant places Sachin Tendulkar at the pinnacle, calling him the starting point of Indian cricket greatness. Alongside Tendulkar, he includes Ricky Ponting, Rohit Sharma, and Anil Kumble, emphasizing their huge contributions to cricket.
His admiration for Sachin Tendulkar goes beyond just cricket skills. Vikrant shares a heartfelt desire to meet his idol someday, expressing the lasting inspiration that Tendulkar’s career has provided him.
Entertainment Outside Cricket: Movies and Music
Vikrant’s interests extend into cinema and music as well. He mentions being a big fan of actors like Tom Hanks and Aamir Khan, appreciating both their acting prowess and the meaningful impact of their films.
Among movies, he highlights “Mother India” for its powerful storytelling and life lessons, particularly admiring the character played by Nargis, which portrays a life full of ups and downs with grace and resilience. Another favorite is “Rang De Basanti,” a film that changed his perspective on life with its famous line about choosing to either let life happen or actively change it.
Music-wise, Vikrant is a devoted fan of Kishore Kumar, whose timeless songs resonate deeply with him. He fondly recalls singing along to classics like “Mukkadar Ka Sikandar,” a testament to Kishore Kumar’s enduring influence on generations.
Behind the Scenes: The Role of FuzzyReels and Team Support
The episode and the ongoing support for the Red Carpet Delhi team are made possible by sponsors Kent, BVCI, and 100 Sports, who provide essential backing to the players and production.
FuzzyReels, as the official photography partner, plays a vital role in capturing the essence of the team’s journey. Their responsibilities include covering live streams, managing social media handles, and designing engaging content to boost the team’s visibility and fan interaction. Through their lens, viewers get a closer look at players like Herschelle Gibbs, Thisara Perera, Ashley Nurse, Richard Levi, Abhimanyu Mithun, Bipul Sharma, Jeetendar Chaudhary, Rajesh Tandel, Kapil Rana, Samiullah Beigh, Omar Alam, Yaju, Ashish Sharma, Yashpal Singh, Rajeev Tyagi, and Vikrant Yadav himself.
This collaborative effort between players, sponsors, and media partners like FuzzyReels ensures that stories like Vikrant’s reach a wide audience, inspiring many and creating a vibrant community around cricket and culture.
Conclusion: Lessons from Vikrant Sharma’s Journey
Vikrant Sharma’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and humility. From his modest beginnings in a family that valued education over sports, he carved a path for himself through sheer dedication and love for cricket. His journey reminds us that while life may be simple in concept, its challenges require courage and resilience.
His reflections on facing problems, managing emotions, and maintaining balance in life offer valuable lessons to all. Beyond cricket, his interests in cooking, movies, and music paint a picture of a well-rounded individual who embraces life fully.
This episode of Lockin with Rapper Maddy, supported by Red Carpet Delhi and FuzzyReels, is more than just a cricket chat—it’s an inspiring conversation about dreams, struggles, and the human spirit. For those who admire the game or seek motivation in their own lives, Vikrant Sharma’s story is a beacon of hope and determination.
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