There is a Manish Pandey story I’ve shared with almost nobody.
In 2018, during India’s T20I series against West Indies, the team had a short mid-series break for Diwali. I happened to be on the same flight back - Lucknow to Bangalore - as Manish Pandey.
He was seated one row ahead of me, alone, headphones on, quiet through the journey. He hadn’t featured in the series at all till then. Beside him sat an elderly lady.
When the flight landed, we all got off and headed towards the baggage carousel. I walked past Manish at one point, wished him luck for the games ahead, and carried on.
A little later, I noticed the elderly lady looking worried. Her phone had switched off and she was trying to contact her daughter, who was waiting outside the airport to pick her up. She tapped Manish on the shoulder, unaware who he was. He immediately took off his headphones, listened carefully, and without a second thought handed over his own phone so she could make the call.
Once the call was done, Manish ensured she had collected her luggage and he walked out of the airport with her, parting ways only after seeing the lady spot her daughter.
I still remember standing there watching it unfold quietly from behind. It’s not some grand story. But this one always stayed with me.
Today feels like a good day to share it.
No Aquib Nabi? This is beyond shocking. And who is picked instead? A seamer who only played a few games last season. I know a thing or two about how it feels when you don’t make it after picking loads of wickets in the Ranji Trophy. My heart goes out to you young man. You’re still young. Please don’t lose heart #TeamIndia
I fail to understand why Indians travel to Europe via Istanbul! Along with China, Turkey is the one solid and constant supporter of Pakistan - and always has been.
India should instead build relations with Turkey's key regional rival Greece. It's strange that there are so many direct flights to Istanbul and none to Athens.
Dear sajjan-lok of Bharatvarsh and beyond, BCQC Pune is proud to announce the schedule of its annual quiz festival, InFest 2025. This time we choose the balmy Pune weather of February. Over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd, we invite you for some fun-filled quizzes.
(1/x)
@Sporty_Baba Got on the tram full of Besiktas fans. Was wearing a Galatasaray jersey. A couple of them escorted me into the stadium, made sure I was safe.