The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma Ep 427: The Boy Who Loved Cricket -- The Vijay Lokapally Story
21 snips
Sep 22, 2025 
Vijay Lokapally, a veteran Indian sports writer and author known for his empathetic cricket coverage, shares his journey through a lifetime in cricket journalism. He fondly recounts his childhood influences, the thrill of live reporting, and the art of storytelling from the sidelines. Vijay discusses the impact of the IPL on cricket culture, the emotional struggles during the match-fixing era, and the importance of clear writing. He also emphasizes mentoring young journalists and staying active in a rapidly changing media landscape.
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The Ticket That Launched A Career
- Vijay's mother secretly bought a season ticket so nine-year-old Vijay could see India v Australia in 1969, starting his lifelong love of cricket.
- The family was middle-class and his parents taught him thrift, hard work and respect, shaping his values and career.
Sports Writing Is Human Storytelling
- Great sports writing focuses on the human journey, not just outcomes or drama.
- Vijay values empathy and deep curiosity about people as the core of reporting.
A Visitor Who Started A Reading Habit
- Harsha Bhogle's father stayed with Vijay's family and gifted Vijay books, sparking his reading habit.
- These early guests and conversations helped Vijay grow into a cricket-aware reader and writer.
