Navjot Sidhu unravels his secret on creative expression

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 25

Many are perhaps familiar with former cricketer and incumbent Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu’s neologisms “Sidhuspeak”, but not much is known of the inspiration and secret of his silver tongued eloquence.

Speaking with The Tribune on the sidelines of his press conference here yesterday, Sidhu attributed this ability to transcendental meditation which “transports him to hallowed in-depth journey within”.

Sidhu said, “Meditation imbues the practitioner with unfathomable depth and clarity about self. Its spin-offs in humdrum and quotidian life crossed by materialist complications, is clarity of thought and courage of conviction.

“The practitioners attain purity and leonine fearlessness. He adverts to Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings  that individuals are part  of the one Almighty underlining universal brotherhood and humanism.

“When you are in an edified and ennobled state of consciousness, your thoughts are enlightened and mind becomes quick. The mind is in a state of auto-pilot mode. It digs deep and creates a synergy of unencumbered thought, matching words and phrases (diction) and emancipated style of narration.”

Sidhu first shot into limelight on account of being a technically sound opening batsman who would graft runs, unflustered by bowling quicks of his time. Then he evolved as a hitter of sixes against spinners. His serendipity of words brought him to Hall of Fame, so to speak.

His “Sidhuspeak” had its share of criticism, too. At times some co-cricket commentators, including renowned former captain of England cricket team, Tony Grieg, displayed disgust in couched terms.

Some, including Indian commentators, were heard saying on air that Sidhu’s comments were non sequitur. Some would say he was verbose.

Once Sidhu had a run-in with former New Zeland captain Jeff Crowe on live TV commentary. Crowe was one of the three commentators. When the New Zealander crossed Sidhu, he made a witty remark against him and said the former was like a “Cheshire cat, with dollops of creams in and around its mouth”.  

Sample Sidhu’s ingenuity of words while doing cricket commentary. Analysing pitch, he remarked: “Wickets are like wives; you never know which way they will turn.”

On another occasion, he said: “The only thing you can get without hard work is dandruff, my friend.”  

With regard to third umpires, he observed: “The third umpires should be changed as often as nappies and for the same reason.”

Another one: “Humility is like underwear. You should have to wear it, but should not show it.”