Having visited India several dozens of times for the last 40 years, legendary Australian cricketer Steve Waugh said he still can’t get enough of the country, and is drawn to see the real India. “There is something about India that gets in your system. It is quite fascinating. I just love watching people going about their lives. Just how people who seem to be up against the odds, who have this great attitude to life. They get on with it, have a go. They don’t complain. And I really resonate with that attitude and those values. That is why I come back to India again and again,” he told The Hindu in an exclusive conversation. From cricket, to photography, to mentoring and leadership, to philanthropy, to entrepreneurship, he talked about diverse topics in two sit down conversations in Sydney and in Mumbai. He also revealed his fitness mantra.
He did not forget to wish Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar his best, for becoming the tourism ambassador of Australia. He had some words of wisdom for the younger generation. He batted for India–Pakistan cricket matches again, saying he will be happy to play a role, if he could. After being appointed on the advisory board of the Centre for Australia–India Relations, this was his first visit to India. He spoke about the common bonds that bind both the countries, why he sees rich possibilities of collaboration between India and Australia, and how Australia wants to be a part of India’s growth story.
Steve Waugh, after retiring from cricket 20 years ago, did not go to the commentary box. He traded the bat for a camera instead. Even today, he is more comfortable carrying his camera with him, chronicling moments. He has brought out coffee table books, has authored 14 books, and has gone out to various places in India to click frames there. When asked what drew him to India and click photos here, he said, “I love going out on the streets, meeting the real people and seeing why cricket is such a passionate pursuit for most Indians. It is like an obsession. I really like to capture it through my photography. Australia and India have got a great relationship. Both in terms of sports and other things. There are pretty humble individuals here,” he said.
Steve Waugh on why he loves coming to India, friendship with Sachin Tendulkar, Kolkata Test
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The Hindu
When asked about his journey so far, and how he got into newer things at each juncture, he said, “It has been pretty amazing. I had never thought that any of this would really happen but what cricket did teach me was that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It makes you think, maybe it is not as hard as I thought it was. May it be charity, writing 14 books, doing photography, being involved in mentoring and leadership. Lots of things I have achieved. I had never thought I will do them. But then, entrepreneurial aspects — I have always enjoyed being involved in business. It is a challenge.”
New juncture – entrepreneurship
And that is his newest challenge. Not only has he started his own entrepreneurial venture – Essence Australia, which was launched recently in India, but he has also been appointed on the advisory committee of Centre for Australia India Relations (CAIR). “I am very passionate about India–Australia relationship, the opportunities after being associated with the country for 40 years through charities, business. That is why i decided to join the CAIR Board, so I can make a difference,” he said.
He also added that Australia wanted to be a part of India’s growth story. “It is a great opportunity to do business here. India, we all know, is a booming economy. Australia wants to be involved there. There are some great incredible unique products in Australia that I think the Indian market is ready for.”
Indo-Pak cricket
When asked about cricket and if he would play any role in bringing India and Pakistan to play cricket together again, he said, “If I can, I would. But there are bigger powers at play here. It can’t happen at this point is a real shame. Because sports can overcome that. It is unfortunate. There is something more powerful which says it can’t happen. But you would want to see that change. It will be above my pay grade (to try to make it happen), but yes, why not? You got to try things. It is easy to give up. Anything is possible with the right will and intent.”
Favourite destination
And while he recollects warmly about his visits to the deserts of Rajasthan, to the backwaters of Kerala, what has really stayed with him is playing cricket with the monks at Dharamshala. “There are so many beautiful places in India. But I loved being up in north in the mountains somewhere. I would like to see some wildlife and nature. That is where I am most at peace, away from the hustle and bustle. I like to relax and soak up nature,” he said.
Best and worst cricketing moments while playing with India
“A lot of people would want me to say 2001 Kolkata – but it was a great moment in cricket history to see that partnership go up. If Laxman or Dravid would have given us a wicket, we would have won, but that’s history in cricket. I thought we could have won the test match in Chennai, which we lost. Maybe the Chennai test match was more disappointing for me. We had a great moment in the 1987 World Cup. That was a great cricketing moment against India. Eden Garden. There were a lot of great cricketing moments in India,” he said.
Favourite Indian player?
“Favourite? That’s hard to say – Dravid and Tendulkar, Harbhajan singh – he kept getting wickets against us. He did the most damage in the 2001 series. A great batsman. But truly, that’s always a tricky question. There were some amazing players – Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dravid, Tendulkar. It is very difficult to pick one. I would stay away from it. They are all very very good.”
About Sachin and daughter Sara
When asked if he had dialled Sachin Tendulkar after reaching Mumbai, he said, “I do keep in contact with Sachin. I respect him enormously. He is an icon in the game. Indians love him. He is loved over the world. When we played with each other, we kept our distance and respected each other. But now, we have become good friends.” Giving best wishes to Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara for being appointed as the brand ambassador of Australia Tourism, he said, “That’s a great appointment. She should enjoy and experience as much Australia as she can, because often you take it for granted where you live. Often your backyard, there is much more to see. Australians see more of Australia, Indians see more of India, and once you have done it, Indians come to Australia, and Australians come to India.”
Health mantra
“I try and stay healthy. I do Pilates twice a week, go to gym a couple of times in a week, I walk my dog twice a day. I try and stay active. If there is an option of taking the stairs or taking the lift, I take the stairs. I try and stay active and keep moving,” said the 60-year old legendary cricketer who has donned many hats by now.
Published – September 13, 2025 09:44 am IST