Murali is not finished yet, charity on mind

Jul 29, 2010 |

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Muttiah Muralitharan

July 28: There is nothing that has not been dissected about the man. The master of tweak after a bumpy ride all his life managed a picture-perfect ending to his Test career. Muttiah Muralitharan finished with 800 wickets and helped Sri Lanka to another Test win in front of family and adoring fans, and even he could not have scripted it better.

The champion off-spinner opened the door to his other side in this exclusive chat.

Earliest sporting memory: Playing rugby for my school. The inter-school rivalry was so huge and the crowds we used to get were unbelievable.

Other sports as a youngster: Rugby and football.

On school life: It taught me discipline, gave me friends for life and more importantly the trait to share.

Your first experience holding a cricket ball: Can’t remember when but when I was really young.

What would you have done without cricket? Can’t really thing of anything else.

Most memorable sporting moment: Winning the 1996 World Cup in Lahore.

Worst sporting moment: Losing the 2007 World Cup final to Australia.

Sporting heroes: There are too many to be listed.

Toughest opponents: Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara

Favourite venue: Galle International Stadium without any second thoughts.

Sporting event you would pay the most to see: The rugby World Cup final.

Question most asked by the public or press: The controversy that surrounded my action.

Greatest change you would like to see in cricket: I think the game is fine the way it is.

Who would you most like most to invite for dinner: Now that I am retired (laughs) a quiet dinner with my wife and son.

Your best-ever match: The 1996 World Cup final.

Favourite holiday spot: Kandy.

How will you like to be remembered? As someone who put an honest effort on field.

Other interests in your life: Charity.

Advice to youngsters: Keep chasing your dreams nothing is impossible.

Your biggest extravaganza: I never have attached importance to materials.

What do you never leave home without? Car keys, mobile phone and credit cards.

One bad habit you wish you could get rid of: My temper, I control it well but sometimes let it slip.

What frightens you most: My son Naren falling sick.

Favourite actor: Super star Rajnikanth.

Favourite music: Anything scored by A.R. Rahman.

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