India calling – Damien Martyn

Jaipur: Damien Martyn has been to India many times before representing his national side, Australia, and at times for commercial reasons. He has always enjoyed his time here and is happy to be back to a country that treats its cricketers so well. Playing for Rajasthan Royals this year, Martyn will be making his IPL debut.

During his weeklong stay in Jaipur, the Pink City, he found the mood to be very vibrant, similar to the colour and energy this part of the country is so famous for, he writes in his blog. Right from the hotel staff to the common man on the street, everyone seems to be looking forward to the next weeks of complete entertainment, is how Damien Martyn sees it. Rajasthan Royals’ base resembles a fortress with security guards hovering all around but it is not too different for him as compared to his previous trips with an international team. In fact, he finds it a little amusing having to go through a spate of security scanners to eventually reach his room in the hotel.

As the camp is about to end and the final squad takes shape, it breaks his heart to see some eager cricketers not making the cut.

He adds, “To be picked in the Rajasthan Royals’ final playing roster would be a life-changing experience for them and their family. Sometimes it is hard to understand but for those of us living in Australia, there are many ways to `make it’. Over here there might be only a few chances. To see their passion and enthusiasm for the game and determination to do well is a great message for everyone. Probably one that sometimes we can take for granted.”

It has been fun for him, trying to mix around with the local guys. He was surprised to find that a lot of the locals he met seemed to know more about him than he himself did. For instance, one player came up to him and said, “Sir, do you remember me? I bowled at you in the nets in 2001 down at Goa.” He smiled and said `yes’, to please the fan. The latter went on to thank his hero for a pair of gloves that he had gifted him nine years ago which he still uses to this day.

Martyn feels, “It is such stories that touch your heart and give you an insight into the lives of the people of India. It tells you what cricket means to them and how well-informed they are.” He feels that the regard they have for their cricketers is justified.

Martyn is keen on making a lasting impression with good performances in IPL 2010 and win as many Indian hearts as he can.