Chirag Suri is one of the most recognisable faces in Associate cricket - a former vice-captain of the UAE national team, the first player from the country to be picked in the IPL by Gujarat Lions in 2017, and one of the leading ODI run-scorers in the world in 2022. But behind the milestones and headlines lies a much deeper story - one of identity, burnout, mentorship, and the courage it takes to walk away from the game you once loved.
In this raw and reflective conversation, Chirag opens up about the defining moments of his journey - from the lessons he learned from Yuvraj Singh and his close friendships with Indian stars like Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, to the unique challenges players face in Associate nations and how he’s now redefining success beyond the boundary.
In this episode, we cover:
🧠 The mental toll of high performance and the relentless pursuit of validation
🏏 The power of mentorship and how Yuvraj Singh shaped Chirag’s mindset and game
🤝 His relationships with Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and others who influenced his journey
🌍 Why players from Associate nations face a different path to the top - and how it shapes their careers
🔄 Navigating identity, purpose, and reinvention after stepping away from professional sport
🏆 The lessons cricket teaches you about resilience, discipline, and legacy
Chirag's Instagram: @csuri128
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*Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent those of any employer, organization or affiliate. I am not a licensed expert, and all discussions are based on personal experiences, insights, and publicly available information. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always do your own research and seek guidance from qualified professionals where necessary. Listener discretion is advised.