World Cup 2015: How to sound like a real cricket fan
Come World Cup and the whole country is talking cricket! Everyone you meet is a cricket enthusiast and none of them has anything else to talk about.
What’s even more frightening is the fact that this phenomenon will last for more than a month. Remember, being in India and not following the game is considered criminal. It really is. So let’s just play along.
Most of us have a fair knowledge of the game. But what the hell is an ‘outswinger’ or a ‘leg-bye’, for instance? Well, there is way more to cricket than Sachin, Sehwag and Kohli.
No, this is not yet-another cricket glossary to learn by heart. These are a few tried and tested tips to fake it till you make it. Here you go!
1. Match highlights, your new habit
Can’t think of wasting seven hours of your precious life watching this stupid game? Relax, there is something called match highlights. Spare 15 minutes and arm yourself for the day’s ‘talk cricket’ part.
2. Mention Yuvraj
Choose a player who is not in good form this World Cup and keep abusing him. In between, criticise BCCI and make some references to Yuvraj.
3. Root for the underrated
Now you have a man to vent all your frustrations. Now it’s time to play an angel. Adopt a not-so-famous player and keep saying how “underrated” he is.
4. Go with the mood
Look terribly depressed on the days when you are supposed to. You can even offer to buy drinks for your cricket crazy colleague and be a part of his sorrow.
5. Play it safe
Think twice before shoving your cricket knowledge in the face of a die-hard fan. Take cue from reactions on social media platforms and come up with some profound thoughts.
6. Include references
Make references to previous matches or other teams. This is the part where the blah-blahing of the commentators really helps.
7. Smart suggestions
Come up with suggestions on how India could have won the match if they had changed the batting order. This is slightly tricky. Attempt this one only if you are good at memorising a few points to validate your opinion.
8. Start betting
Doesn’t matter if you win it or not. But it definitely shows your involvement in the game.
9. Talk like a boss
Confidence is the key to make yourself look like a cricket know-it-all. Seemingly easy to pull it off, but do work on your acting skills.
10. Act it out
You are good till here. But be very cautious. Dodge tricky follow-up questions by pretending that your phone just vibrated and walk away from the room as soon as you can. And no, don’t look back.
