'When I finish my cricket...': Warner on living in 'loving and positive' India after retirement

David Warner (Pic: AFP)

Esteemed Australian opener David Warner recently shed light on his future plans, expressing a heartfelt intention to relocate to India upon concluding his illustrious cricketing career.

Warner articulated his profound affection for the 'warm and hospitable' people of India and the nation's fervent cricket culture during an appearance on Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel.

Warner, renowned for his immense popularity among Indian enthusiasts, particularly those from Hyderabad, owing to his association with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from 2014 to 2021, has endeared himself to Indian fans through various means.

His admiration for Indian cinema, particularly action films, his upbeat and amiable demeanor during fan engagements, engaging social media presence, among other attributes, have endeared him to countless Indian fans, leading some to affectionately dub India as Warner's second home.

During his conversation on Ashwin's platform, Warner revealed that although he currently does not possess a residence in India, he eagerly anticipates the opportunity to spend time in the country post-retirement.

Describing himself as a 'people's person', he emphasized his readiness to engage with fans in public spaces such as malls, gladly posing for photographs. He also expressed admiration for the ubiquitous presence of cricket in the streets of India.

"I do not have a house in India. I did look at some stages. I get a lot of people asking me if I want a house here. One day, maybe when I finish my cricket, I would like to come here and spend some time. Lifestyle is good. I am a people's person. I go to the malls with my girls and I embrace everything," Warner said.

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"People say I am mad for going out without security and all that. But, at the end of the day, people have a lot of respect. I think people come and ask for photos, yes. But when you are out without your kids and embracing the culture, I think people understand and keep their distance. Sometimes, though, in some smaller villages, it can get a little difficult. We do take security with us. But it is great, I love it. You walk down the street in India and there's always a game of cricket on," he added.

Warner shared his perennial joy upon visiting India, crediting the country's optimistic and affectionate populace for his elation. He attributed his profound connection with India to his humble upbringing, occasionally lamenting the perceived lack of humility among some individuals in Australia.

"In Australia, sometimes we have the tall poppy syndrome. Always the negative mindset before the positive mindset," he continued. "As soon as you come here, everything is positive. People out here are loving life. In Australia, sometimes, we do not ground ourselves enough. I came from a very humble upbringing. I did not have much at all, but I was happy when I hung around with my friends, playing football and cricket. I enjoy every moment of my life, because you never know when it can all be taken away," Warner added.

In the ongoing 2024 IPL season, Warner has amassed 167 runs in seven matches at an average of 23.85 and a strike rate of 135.77, with a solitary fifty to his credit. Currently sidelined due to a finger injury, Warner's team is scheduled to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium.

(With agency inputs)