Sir Don Bradman once famously said, “Reading poetry and watching cricket were the sum of my world, and the two are not so far apart as many aesthetes might believe” and we as cricket fans cannot agree more! The sport of Cricket, for its die hard fans is not just a game. It’s an emotion, expression and most importantly an inspiration to them!

On a similar note, ‘The first Ten Runs in Singles’ a book written by Mr. Samuel Prakash Thevanayagam, a Sri Lankan-born American thought leader, entrepreneur and a big time Cricket enthusiast, is inspiring individuals to lead a successful life by providing valuable life lessons and strategies drawn by the game of cricket.

Featuring thirty chapters, the book, just like a life coach offers practical advice and solutions, inspired by cricket for its readers to imply in their daily lives in order to better themselves on their personal and professional fronts.

In an Exclusive interview with SPOGO, Mr. Thevanayagam, better known as Sam T talked about his book, his love for the sport and the important lessons one can draw from the game cricket.

Q 1) What inspired you to write ‘ The first Ten Runs in Singles’?

Ans: I grew up playing cricket and listening to my father’s advice. As I grew older, I realized that what my father was teaching me was also useful for life.  That was the inspiration that led me to writing the book.

Q 2) What personal values or lessons can an individual draw from the game of cricket?

Ans: There are 30 chapters in the book, each one of them is associated with a value. As examples taking initiative, being patient, practicing discernment etc.

Q 3) Why did you choose only cricket and not any other sport for your book?

Ans: Cricket is my passion and the game that I played growing up. One can learn from all sports, especially team sports. Cricket involves  a lot of collective strategy.

Q 4) How much do you think has Cricket evolved over the past two to three decades?

Ans: Cricket has changed for the viewing public to be able to get to a result in 4 hours in the T20 format. The game has also evolved to be more exciting, more action packed and quicker and faster which is more fun for the viewing public.

Q 5) What role did cricket play in shaping you as an individual?

Ans: Cricket has shaped me in the individual I am, the leader I am and the team mate I am. There are times I have to score fast or execute with urgency, other times I have to hold my end as there are things evolving that are beyond my control. I have had to adjust to life situations and play positions that I am not familiar with in life just like I have playing cricket. I have also won and lost in life due to my own efforts and other’s efforts.

Q 6) How important of a role do you think cricket or any other sport play in an individual’s life?

Ans: As a CEO and leader I am involved in recruiting and hiring potential candidates to work in the 3 businesses I run. I am always looking for sportsmen and women as they are good team mates, know how to win and lose and understand various game situations. I have been fortunate to recruit some tremendous talent by recruiting among athletes. Sportsmen and women also know to play hard, finish strong, learn how to take direction and make changes as situations ebb and flow in a work or life situation. This is all I have learned being a cricketer myself and being a fan.

Q 7) Would you like to share any of your favourite lines or quotes from the book with our readers to inspire them in these testing times?

Ans: Without trust, you have nothing. It is the foundation that all relationships are built on. Even love cannot thrive without trust.