Beyond Boundaries

Let's start from the beginning—How did your journey at IIT Kanpur begin? Was cricket always a part of the plan, or did it sneak in later like a googly?

Cricket was always close to my heart. Even during school days, I was very passionate about it. But I also knew that if I wanted to continue playing without objections from my parents, I had to do well in academics too. That balance helped me focus and eventually crack the IIT entrance exam. Before coming to IIT Kanpur, I only played softball cricket. But once I got to campus, I was introduced to leather ball cricket. Playing alongside skilled players—some from IIT and many from outside—gave me a new perspective. That's when I realized, "Maybe I'm not that far behind." That's when I started seriously considering cricket as more than just a hobby.

How did IIT Kanpur shape your personal and professional journey? Was there a turning point during your campus life that set your path in motion?

IITK taught me how to stay disciplined, how to manage time, and most importantly, how to keep believing in myself. It was during my time at IITK, playing competitive cricket and balancing it with studies, that I realized I could actually take cricket forward as a serious pursuit. The turning point was when I started competing with strong players and holding my ground. That gave me the confidence that I have the potential too—and maybe with the right opportunities, I could do something more with it.

What kept your passion for cricket alive, even while pursuing a demanding academic path at IIT Kanpur? And how did you manage both?

It wasn't easy, but I loved both in different ways. Cricket gave me energy and purpose. Studies gave me structure and stability. I always believed that if I could do decently well in academics, then no one would question my decision to play. So I stayed consistent—never tried to be perfect, but always tried to keep things balanced. Whenever I got time between classes or labs, I used it for practice or fitness. Over time, it just became a habit to manage both.

Have you faced moments where the two paths conflicted? How did you handle those situations?

Yes, many times. Sometimes tournaments would clash with exams or labs, and I had to make difficult choices. I remember skipping a few important matches due to academic deadlines and vice versa. But I always tried to keep my communication clear—with teammates, everyone. And I accepted that I couldn't give 100% to both at all times. It was all about managing priorities and making peace with the choices.

You captained the IIT Kanpur cricket team—what did those leadership days teach you that no classroom ever could? Any match moment that's etched in your heart forever?

Leading the team was a huge learning curve. I learnt how to handle pressure, manage different personalities, and take responsibility—not just for myself but for the whole team. One moment I'll never forget was during Udghosh, when I was captaining the IITK Alumni team. We reached the semifinals, but one of our main players got injured badly and had to be taken to the hospital. We were almost on the verge of losing the match—our whole team was all out except for that injured player. To everyone's surprise, he came back just in time, padded up, and walked in to bat. He had been following the scorecard from the hospital! That courage and timing turned the match around, and we went on to win the tournament. It was an unforgettable moment of team spirit and belief.

Japan, cricket, and software—sounds like the title of a Netflix documentary! Tell us how you landed in Japan and became a part of the Japan Cricket Association.

That's actually not too far off. Japan was never part of the plan. During placements, I got an offer from Accenture Japan. I had just a few hours to decide whether to accept it or not. In that time, I searched online to see if there was any cricket scene in Japan—and randomly found an article about Japan participating in the T20 World Cup qualifiers. That one moment made me decide to go. Once I moved here, I reached out to the Japan Cricket Association, started playing locally, and slowly became part of the national setup. It still feels a bit unreal sometimes.

You've worked with Accenture Japan and now with Manulife. How has your tech journey evolved? Any cultural or professional insights from working in the Japanese work environment?

Working in Japan has been a unique experience. The culture here values discipline, teamwork, and humility. Professionally, I've grown a lot—starting with Accenture and now at Manulife, I've worked on interesting tech projects and also learned how to adapt to a completely different work culture. Language and communication were big challenges at first, but over time, I got more comfortable. It's helped me grow both as a professional and as a person.

Criticism is part of the game—on field and off it. How do you deal with it? Ever had to face a tough decision or moment of self-doubt? How did you bounce back?

Definitely. Whether it's a bad day at work or a rough patch in cricket, criticism and self-doubt are always around. I've had moments where I wondered if I'm doing the right thing—especiallywhen I wasn't performing or when things weren't going as planned. But in those moments, I just remind myself why I started. I also try to talk to people I trust, who know my journey. That support helps a lot. I take feedback seriously, but I don't let it shake my confidence. I've learned to keep moving forward, even if it's slow.

What's next for Abhishek Anand? Are we going to see a startup founder, a full-time cricketer, a cloud architect—or all of the above?

Honestly, I'm keeping all doors open. Right now, I'm focusing on giving my best to both cricket and my tech career. I'd love to explore areas where both can intersect—maybe something in sports tech someday. I'm not rushing into a fixed path. I'm just taking it step by step and seeing where it leads.

Your advice to students at IITK, especially those who feel torn between academics, passion, and a future they can't quite define yet?

I'd say don't stress too much about figuring it all out right away. It's okay to be confused. What's important is to keep exploring and not ignore what excites you—whether it's music, sports, writing, or anything else. Try to maintain balance. You don't need to be the best at everything, but if you're consistent and true to what you love, the dots will connect someday. And remember—your journey is your own. Don't compare it too much with others.

Quick rapid fire to lighten things up!

Cricket or coding—what gives you the bigger adrenaline rush?

Cricket—always. Nothing beats the pressure of the last over and the sound of the ball hitting the bat just right.

Chai at IITK canteen or sushi in Tokyo?

Chai at IITK canteen—sushi is nice, but chai with friends at IITK hits different.

If your life were a movie, what would the title be?

Bihari Jalwa from Kanpur to Japan

Favorite food from the IITK mess?

Chicken curry of our Hall - 12 mess

Most funny memory of IITK?

One of the funniest memories I have is about our coach, Subrata Roy sir. When I played well and aggressively, he'd shower me with praise like I was the next big thing. But the moment I got out, his whole vibe would switch instantly - like he turned into a completely different person! It was hilarious how fast he changed from cheerleader to critic.

The professor whose class you never skipped?

Prof. whose attendance mattered the most

India vs Japan match—you're batting last over. Who do you want to bowl?

Bowling to any Indian batsman will be a dream come true and if it's batting I would like to face Bumrah.

And finally, if you could go back to your first day at IITK, what would you tell that younger Abhishek in one line?

Relax, you're exactly where you need to be - and trust the process.