Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Abhinav Mukund: Drink a liter of water.
TG: What gives you energy?
AM: A cup of black coffee before getting out onto the field, a bar of chocolate sometimes too.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
AM: Not letting things move too fast, always keeping the mind and body in sync.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
AM: My relationship with the phone is strictly need-based, although it does sleep with me but I keep it on silent.
TG: Test, ODI, T20 – Which format do you prefer the most and why? What changes, mentally and in fitness routine, do you make for each?
AM: I love playing Test Cricket as it is a true test of character and endurance. Mentally and physically, it is very important for a modern cricketer to adapt to all formats in this day and age. Slowing things down in a test match and thinking on your feet, being proactive and street-smart in a limited overs game are my working methods.
TG: Injuries are common in cricket. How do you deal with them?
AM: I train to assess the damage first, listen to the professionals/therapists regarding the course of action and work sincerely towards recuperating both mind and body together as sometimes a mental block might occur when using the injured muscle again, so I make sure to push my mental barriers in the road to recovery.
TG: You are constantly glued to cricket. Can that lead to an early burnout?
AM: I used to think so, but I enjoy the game too much to feel it anymore. It’s important to have the ability to switch off and do other activities.
TG: When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it?
AM: I have failed many times, I even contemplated quitting the sport because I was getting too attached with the results (success and failure), that came with it, but I focused on why I started playing the game in the first place and that reignited my passion and love towards the sport again.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
AM: I would listen to some of my favorite music.
TG: Share a quote that you love that gives you strength or peace.
AM: The only way to do great work is to love what you do – Steve Jobs.
Abhinav Mukund is an Indian Test cricketer, top-order batsman and former captain of India A & Tamil Nadu cricket teams.