In Conversation with Aryan Lakra

The League of Champions

In Conversation with Aryan Lakra, Cricketer Par Excellence

Interviewed by Mishal Faraz

Aryan Lakra, Class of 2020, is one of the most illustrious Winchester alumni. 19-year-old Lakra has been living in the UAE for 12 years now and during this period has carved out an indelible niche for himself in the field of cricket – a member of the UAE Men’s Team, Lakra has captained the U-19 Team in the World Cup in South Africa, has played for the Bangla Tigers, and holds the distinction of being the 6th highest wicket taker in the World Cup. In this exclusive interview to WIN Times, Aryan gives us a glimpse into his mind and what it takes to be a champion!

What is your very first memory of playing cricket?

My first memory was me playing cricket with my dad in the tennis courts of Discovery Gardens where he would come and just throw balls at me. I would hit them as hard as I could.

How did you start your professional career?

After playing in those tennis courts my dad got me enrolled in the evening practices in DPS when he saw I had something in me and from there on things just started happening.

Have you faced any challenges on your journey? If yes, how did you overcome them?

There weren’t a lot of challenges but only a few which stayed with me throughout my school life. Such as coming back home from a match at 3 AM and waking up at 6 to go to school. I just learned how to live with them and move on with my life.

You have been playing nationallevel cricket since you were in school, so how did you balance studies and cricket?

It was hard, really, really hard but all the credit goes to my parents and the teachers around me who were really supportive.

What are you best memories of school?

To be very honest I don’t have one particular memory because I really enjoyed my time in school, but I feel performing on international day in Yr. 13 is something I’ll remember for a long time.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My family, especially my dad. Without him I probably wouldn’t even have played for the school team.

What has been the most memorable day for you on the field?

I think that it would be qualifying for the U19 Cricket World Cup, being the first UAE captain to make our side qualify for the world cup and getting the player of the tournament in the qualifiers.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten that you remember every day?

I got this particular advice from Andre Fletcher during the T10. He told me to “always seek knowledge” and that is something I remember every day.

What do you attribute your success to?

I think it’s my ability to stay focused, work hard and stay disciplined.

How do you keep yourself energetic and focused?

It isn’t hard for me to do that because cricket is something I love and just getting out on the field gets me energized and focused.

If not a cricketer, what would you be?

I remember giving this a lot of thought back in Yr. 11-12, I really wanted to become a pilot.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Hopefully leading the UAE Men’s team.

A message for your mentors at school.

I wouldn’t have reached the level I am at without you all. You all played a big role in my life, stay the same.

A message for all the aspiring young people who wish to follow their dreams.

It’s never easy to achieve your dreams, there will be good days and bad days but it’s important that you stay persistent and persevere.

QUICK ANSWER ROUND

Favourite cricketer: Virat Kohli

Favourite hobby: Going out with friends

Favourite movie: Anything which Marvel produced Favourite cheat meal: Coldstone ice cream

Favourite vacation spot: Europe

A historic cricket match that you

would have loved to play in: World T20, India vs Australia quarter finals. Batting alongside Virat Kohli. Favourite cuisine: Indian

Favourite actor: Hrithik Roshan