Alan Wilkins prefers Roger Federer winning Wimbledon over Virat Kohli lifting the World cup
Alan Wilkins, who remains as one of the most popular voices in sports broadcasting, has stated that he would prefer to cover Roger Federer winning the Wimbledon over Virat Kohli lifting the 2019 World Cup. Wilkins insisted that Wimbledon, for him, remains the standout event in the sporting calendar.
Alan Wilkins has covered some of the biggest sporting tournaments in the world, right from the Cricket World Cup to Wimbledon. He is one of the most recognizable faces in India and thus it was no surprise to see the bookshop buzzing as he signed copies of his recently published autobiography titled ‘Easier said than done’.
Wilkins, who was
“The injury happened when I was 28, which is young for a cricketer. I had two good seasons with Gloucestershire and I was beginning to feel I could go
Wilkins insisted that the position of a coach never interested him and broadcasting career was a natural progression for him.
“Somehow, I never saw myself as a coach. I enjoyed coaching youngsters and did some work with boys & girls but I just saw my future in radio, not even television. Then in January 1984, SABC offered me a job as a sports reporter in Johannesburg and I knew the people working there, so I didn't have to think much and took the opportunity,” he said.
He stated that it has become easier for players to make a transition from the cricket fields to the commentary box. He showed his concerns over the privacy of the players and suggested that players’ privacy should be kept in mind.
“Privacy is becoming lesser and lesser, I feel there is a very fine line between broadcasting and privacy, which needs to be kept in mind,” he said.
He insisted that in spite of the pressure of the devoted fans, broadcasters should never be afraid to express their viewpoints and should not be afraid to do their job.
“Asian teams are followed religiously but still have to do your job and call it as you say it. My job is to facilitate a conversation. One should never be scared
He stated that covering Wimbledon has been a huge privilege for him and pointed out that Wimbledon has always been the standout event in the sporting calendar for him.
“I love the variety I get. Sitting with Vijay Amritraj at Wimbledon is a pleasure. I enjoy watching Wimbledon and sitting with him is a privilege. Though I am doing a lot of cricket these days
On being asked to choose between covering Virat Kohli lifting the World Cup at England or Roger Federer winning the Wimbledon, he stated that he would pick Federer over Kohli because the Indian, who is 29, still has a few playing years left under his belt while Federer is already 37.
“Virat is 29 and still has a few years in him. Roger meanwhile is already 37, so he doesn't have many years in him. So my vote would go to Roger at Wimbledon. I am sure if you ask Virat, he would say the same thing, he is a big Roger Federer fan,” he added.