Multi-faceted Sumendra's passion for the game drives him on

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Sumendra Tiwari seems to be a remarkable figure in the world of cricket, particularly for his role in conceptualising the T10 format, which later gained significant popularity in the Middle East. His multifaceted skills as a cricket administrator, coach, organiser, and even as a former cricketer highlight his versatility and dedication to the sport.

The fact that he was able to envision and create a format like T10 before it became widely recognised speaks of his forward-thinking nature and vision for the game. “My passion for the game is something that drives me everywhere,” he said while interacting with CricBlogger inside his farm in Dholpur.

It’s interesting to note that someone with such a diverse skill set could play such a pivotal role in the sport’s evolution. His story appears to be one of innovation, leadership, and resilience, especially considering how his concept was later adopted and commercialised elsewhere. Sumendra’s contributions to Rajasthan cricket, from getting former Indian coach Gary Kirsten to conduct conditioning camp to drawing other international stars to the state, seem to have left a lasting impact, and his all-round abilities indeed challenges the saying that a “jack of all trades” can’t be a master of any.

His unwavering commitment to cricket, despite facing setbacks like the theft of his T10 concept by a member of his own team, truly stands out. It’s commendable that, unlike others who might have been shaken, he remained focused on his passion for the sport.

The former RCA secretary’s ability to take on challenges head-on, whether it was battling with the Income Tax department to protect BCCI’s income from additional levies or innovating simple yet impactful ideas like having match referees document lunch provisions during district matches, showcases his hands-on approach and deep understanding of cricket administration.

Even without holding an official position within the cricket association, Sumendra continues to contribute meaningfully, reflecting his deep-rooted love for the game. “If you want to work, you can do it without holding any position also,” he reminded.

His proactive efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic in his hometown of Dholpur further highlight his dedication to his community and his refusal to accept “no” as an answer in the face of challenges. Sumendra’s story is one of perseverance, loyalty, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in everything he does. His ability to adapt, innovate, and continue making an impact even in the absence of formal recognition speaks volumes about his character and his lasting influence on cricket and beyond.

Sumendra’s impact on Rajasthan cricket, particularly his decisive actions like increasing fees for players and match officials, highlights his proactive leadership style. It’s telling that even someone as influential as Lalit Modi sees a reflection of himself in Sumendra. This admiration likely stems from Sumendra’s ability to make bold decisions, implement necessary reforms, and maintain a strong, effective approach to cricket administration. His style of working, which resonates with Modi, underlines his effectiveness as a leader who is not only capable of envisioning change but also of executing it successfully.

His presence is so strong in Dholpur that you just can’t ignore him and drive past his surrounding without letting him know. “I love people who are closely connected with the game and I love the players the most because this game is where it is because of the players,” he said while sharing his strong connect with the game. That is why his farmhouse or any of his surroundings is the home of all the top players from Rajasthan even today!