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An Ode to Cricket
Dedicating Sunday mornings for my labour of love has been a lifeline, a constant through the ebb and flow of life. Especially the era when it was truly a gentleman’s game, played with elegance, grace, and an unspoken poetry that set it apart. The players of that time were not just sportsmen; they were artists, crafting moments of history with every stroke of the bat and every measured delivery. This was the cricket I grew up watching, the cricket that shaped my emotions, and the cricket that still stirs something profound within me.
It is this deep love for the game that led me to create my YouTube channel, Jai Galagali, which now nears 39,000 subscribers. With every video, I strive to bring back the emotions of that golden era—to honor its legends, its unforgettable moments, and the spirit of cricket as it once was. The joy of sharing these stories with an audience that appreciates my work is truly fulfilling, a privilege I cherish deeply.
Yet this journey was born not just from love but while trying to find solace during a family health crisis. What began as a refuge soon became my purpose, leading me to unforgettable encounters—meeting my idols, reliving history, and capturing the essence of a game that has given me so much. But perhaps the most humbling reward has been the recognition from the very legends I grew up admiring—their encouragement and support remain the highest honor of my journey.
And still, the road stretches ahead. There are more stories to tell, more milestones to reach, and more dreams to chase. As long as cricket continues to inspire, my journey will go on.
THE PROCESS
A Labour of Love
My archives are a true labour of love, born from a deep love for cricket’s rich history. Preserving and sharing these rare moments is a meticulous yet deeply fulfilling process—one that unfolds on serene Sunday mornings, where time slows down in reverence to the game.
It begins with painstakingly extracting old cricket footage from newsreels—each reel a fragment of history waiting to be rediscovered. The journey doesn’t stop there. Hours of research follow, delving into history books, archived articles, and newspaper clippings from bygone eras to provide the right context and ensure that every video tells a complete story.
Many of these raw footages arrive without audio, presenting an opportunity to bring them to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences. I take great joy in carefully restoring the experience—retrofitting commentary in my own voice, adding stadium sounds, and recreating the crisp crack of leather on willow. It is a privilege to enhance these lost moments with the atmosphere they deserve.
The greatest reward comes from sharing these restored treasures with fellow cricket lovers. Through my YouTube channel, I am able to connect with fans across generations, transporting them back to the golden days of the sport. I am grateful that my narration, paired with these historic clips, continues to evoke nostalgia and joy, keeping the legacy of cricket alive for millions worldwide.
REDISCOVERED
Contributions & Archives
Cricket has a rich and storied past, with countless moments that have shaped the sport and inspired generations. I endeavour to bring these moments to life through my YouTube channel, Jai Galagali. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to uncovering and preserving rare footage—forgotten treasures that were once thought to be lost to time. Thus far, it has been an incredibly fulfilling journey to bring these historic moments back into the public eye, allowing fans and historians alike to relive the early days of Indian cricket.
Among the many remarkable discoveries are some of the most iconic milestones in India’s cricketing history: India’s first-ever Test victory against England in 1952, the inaugural India-Pakistan Test series the same year, and the debut matches of legends like G.R. Vishwanath (1969), B.S. Chandrasekhar (1964), and B.S. Bedi (1967). Other significant finds include rare footage from the India-England Golden Jubilee Test (1980), Sunil Gavaskar’s debut tour of 1971, and test series played in India between 1948 and 1983 against visiting teams from England, West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
Each of these moments holds immense historical value, not just for cricket enthusiasts but for the legacy of the sport itself. Preserving them is more than just an archival effort—it is a way to celebrate cricket’s evolution, honour the players who shaped it, and ensure that future generations can witness the magic of an era gone by.
Dive into the timeless treasures of Indian cricket
Acknowledgement
I am deeply grateful to everyone who supports my passion—colleagues, interviewees, friends, and family—without whom this journey would not be possible. I am deeply grateful for Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s sustained efforts with the Cabinet Minister (I&B) and their bureaucrats in 2020 for allowing contents from Films Division to be used. At an event at Stanford University, Dr. Tharoor recognized my contribution to bringing these historical artifacts to life.
Beyond these acknowledgments, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the worldwide cricket community—archivists, historians, and passionate fans—whose unwavering support fuels my dedication to preserving cricket’s rich legacy. In every recovered frame, I witness the passion of a bygone era and the spirit of a game that continues to inspire. Most of all, I thank the game of cricket for the immense joy it brings to our lives and for the endless stories that remind us why we love it.
