Romantic in me chooses ML Jaisimha over Sachin Tendulkar: Satya Nadella

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has picked 1960s batting star ML Jaisimha as his favourite cricketer.

When asked in a rapid-fire round who he would pick as his favourite between Jaisimha and Sachin Tendulkar, Nadella said: "Oh that is tough, But look I am a Hyderabadi and a romantic at heart, so ML Jaisimha."

In his book 'Hit Refresh', Nadella talks further of his love for Jaisimha. "One time, my father hung a poster of Karl Marx in my bedroom; in response, my mother hung one of Lakshmi, the Indian goddess of plentitude and contentment...My reaction? The only poster I really wanted was one of my cricketing hero, the Hyderabadi great, ML Jaisimha, famous for his boyish good looks and graceful style, on an off the field."

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Jaisimha played 39 Tests between 1959-1971 and finished with 2056 runs. He was a stylist and a complete purist on the field. Several Hyderabadi batsmen in the later generations were also a lot about style and technical finesse. The likes of Mohammad Azharuddin and VVS Laxman, in recent times, were considered among the most stylish and wristiest batsmen in world cricket.

Tendulkar, who is the only man with 100 international hundreds and is the owner of several batting records, retired in 2013 after an emotional 200th Test at home in Mumbai.

Nadella arrived at the India Today Conclave Next on Tuesday to talk about digital technology and its application on the Indian landscape. He also spoke about the importance Microsoft is giving to AI, Mixed Reality and other services that look to help business and consumers.

Nadella is not the only tech wizard who is fascinated with cricket or sports.

Back in December 2015, Google CEO Sundar Pichai conceded he was a big fan of Barcelona and their Argentine forward Lionel Messi. "I am a big football fan. I follow football more because it is easier to follow there. I am a big Barcelona and Lionel Messi fan."

Pichai, who was born in Chennai, also revealed that he dreamt of being a cricketer and admired the legendary Sunil Gavaskar.

"I am a huge football fan. I remember when I was young, I would drive my mom crazy. I would wake up in the middle of the night to watch World Cup soccer. I would watch the Brazilian team in those days. Cricket and football are two sports that I follow. I am a big Barcelona and Messi fan".

"I did dream of being a cricketer like so many Indians. I used to be a huge fan of (Sunil) Gavaskar when he was playing and later, Sachin (Tendulkar) when he played. I always had a dream," he said.