Colourful and Fearless
The news of Shane Warne’s sudden demise sent shock waves throughout the cricketing world and I am still trying to contemplate if this is really happening or if I am in the middle of a bad dream.
Warnie was larger than life, he was an absolute legend of the game and a Hall of Famer on any given day. He was a shrewd cricketer, probably one of the best captains Australia never had. He was a game-changer and a trendsetter. Shane Warne “single-handedly” inspired a whole new generation to take to leg-spin. He made the art look cool. He dictated terms to many a batsman and controlled the game like a boss. He leaves a tough act to follow, repeat or emulate.
I’ve had the privilege of sharing the field with Warnie, enjoyed a good battle and watched in awe as he unleashed his magic time after time. In 2004 when the tsunami hit, many Sri Lankan lives were lost, families devastated, and properties damaged beyond repair. Warnie arrived on the island within a week of the disaster. He visited families, held hands, hugged children, told them “Things were going to be ok” and embarked on a massive fund drive to help reconstruct lives and the Galle International Stadium. The awareness he created brought in many private and government donors from Australia and around the world. His heart was set on rebuilding lives. Sri Lankans I am sure will forever remember this gesture with great gratitude.
Warnie had a heart for people and an appetite for grooming talent. His involvement with the Rajasthan Royals in the first season of the IPL opened up opportunities for many Indian players who are at the helm today. Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma were two players he personally picked, and earmarked as future greats. He called out Wanindu Hasaranga as one of the greats for Sri Lanka at the recently concluded Australia series. He spent time with the lads off the field and shared his insights with great zeal and conviction.
Warnie was colourful, fearless and grand with everything he did. Winning was in his DNA. He would never back down or give up on a fight. His level of confidence coupled with mind games and skill made him impossible to read, play or get away. On the field, he would be all over you. He would make sure he established his dominance, and he would demand that respect in return.
Off the field, the man was a gem of a human being. He was the life of the party and the king of celebrations. Warnie knew all too well about working hard and playing harder. He had a great sense of humour and pranked almost everyone he ever knew. There really was never a dull moment when the magician was around.
The void left behind is immeasurable, the kind of personality he was, the knowledge he shared, his very presence in a room always came with a sense of excitement and a feeling of adventure. You really cannot describe this man in one paragraph. He was so much more than meets the eye.
We have been fortunate to have seen this genius on the field, a superhero of our time. The ultimate ambassador of the sport and Legend with a legacy that will live on throughout the years to come.
You really don’t know where life will take you or leave you, but while you are here, you could live it to the fullest, dream big, go for your goals and never give up on being the ultimate champion. Much like how Warnie did. He never stopped believing, he never stopped trying and he never gave up.
May his beautiful and colourful soul rest in peace. Until we meet again.