What does it mean to truly love cricket? In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with author and cricket tragic Nikhil Kulkarni to explore his deeply personal book, My Summer of Cricket.
From a village in North Karnataka in India to the grand stadiums of Australia, Nikhil’s journey is one that will resonate with cricket lovers everywhere. This is a story of early morning radio commentaries, lifelong devotion, and the moments that define us as fans of the game. At the heart of the book is an extraordinary pilgrimage during the 2024–25 summer, where Nikhil attended every single day of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, travelling between the Gabba, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney Cricket Ground to follow one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
In this conversation, we explore:
🏏 Growing up with cricket in India and finding a new home in Australia
🏏 The emotional pull of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy
🏏 Witnessing Sachin Tendulkar’s final Test match
🏏 The stories, people and moments that make cricket more than just a game
🏏 How cricket connects cultures, generations, and communities
To close the episode, Nikhil faces “The Final Over” — six quick-fire questions to finish the innings.
If you’ve ever set an alarm for a 3am Test match, followed a series ball by ball, or felt cricket shape your life, this episode is for you.
About Nikhil Kulkarni: Nikhil Kulkarni is a Sydney-based tech leader, community builder, and lifelong cricket tragic who has followed the game across India and Australia for over three decades. His debut book, My Summer of Cricket, chronicles the dramatic 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, blending match-day moments and personal reflections from thirty years of fandom.
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