We have interviewed stars in the past but today we are interviewing someone who needs no introduction. The 6 that he hit in the semis of the 2015 World Cup to win his team the game is still fresh in our minds as it happened yesterday. A boy born in South Africa knocking South Africans out of the World Cup to taking New Zealand into their first ever World Cup final. You just can't script it! He is none other than Grant Elliott!
We had some rapid fire questions to the hero we adore and he was so kind enough to interact and answer us so joyously.
Rahul: Who was your idol in cricket?
Grant: Sir Vivian Richards - Aggression, Presence and confidence!!
Courtesy By: rediff.com
Rahul: Your favorite all time Captain?
Grant: Brendon McCullum.
Courtesy By: The Week
Mustafa: Which is your favorite cricket format?
Grant: ODI.
Courtesy By: My Khel
Parag: Who do you think will be the highest run-scorer in this World Cup?
Grant: Virat Kohli.
Courtesy By: Rapid Kings
Sidharth: Who was the toughest bowler you faced in your career ?
Grant: Muttaiah Muralitharan.
Courtesy By: Cricketnmore
Hassan: What was your feeling after hitting the six against Dale Steyn to finish it off in the semis of 2015 WC?
Grant: As a middle-order player, I aimed to stay till the end and take the game as deep as possible. I focused on remaining not-out. Finishing the game with a six was always going to be overwhelming. It was an amazing feeling to get the team over the line.
Vibhakar: Having been a part of a World Cup finalists dressing room, what would you suggest the current crop of NZ players, if they are to enter the knockout stage?
Grant: Prepare like you care but play like you don’t. Give it everything you have out there and have no regrets.
Vamsi: Thoughts on associates and their brand of cricket being displayed?
Grant: Great to see the associates finally winning and being competitive. It’s good for the game.
Vibhakar: What do you think of ODI's future? Do you agree with MCC's suggestion that ODI bilaterals must have lesser focus after the WC 2023?
Grant: Yes I agree with MCC!!
Rohan: What is your advice to young kids who want to take up cricket as a profession just after watching T20 leagues? How can they excel in a longer format?
Grant: Just do what you are passionate about. It’s important you do what you love otherwise you won’t work hard at it.
It has been more than 8 years since Grant pulled off the hiest in Auckland and also helped his team to get a good score in Melbourne in the 2015 World Cup final. With New Zealand in a good position to qualify for yet another semifinal of a big tournament, all their star hopes for, is their players to prepare hard and play fearless cricket and not worry about the results!
