158* against RCB changed my life: Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum recently revealed the impact of his memorable innings of an unbeaten 158 in the first match of the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2008. The former New Zealand captain is one of the most revered cricketers around the world. He was one of the most destructive players in his time and is one of the first superstars of the T20 format.

In 2008, the IPL started its journey at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On April 18, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), McCullum played an unforgettable innings of 158 not out off just 73 balls, belting 10 fours and 13 sixes. The 42-year-old recently explained how the swashbuckling innings, that gave the IPL a dream start, changed his life.

"The reason why I daydream about that moment is because it literally changed my life. I was just a cricketer for New Zealand, where no one really knew what you did where you are from, or what you are capable of. But that day provided the platform, the forum, and the opportunity to change my life" McCullum said at the RCB Innovation Lab's Leader's Meet held in Bengaluru involving sporting stakeholders from around the globe.

Speaking about the summit, the current England red-ball coach said, "I have been invited here to come and share some more stories about leadership. But the opportunity to oversee and rub shoulders with other leaders who have some similarly shared experiences is what you are after as a leader. You are always trying to grow and evolve and this week has been simply fabulous."

India tour is going to be a good challenge for us: Brendon McCullum

England are schedulled to come to India in January to play a five-match Test series. McCullum said that it will be a good challenge for the team.

"It is going to be a good challenge for us. If we have success then fabulous, if we do not then I know we will go down in the style that we want to go down," he stated.

Since McCullum took up the red-ball coaching role for England, he has transformed the mentality of the players in the company of captain Ben Stokes. They have adopted an ultra-aggressive approach, termed as 'Bazball', and McCullum is happy with the immediate success. He is also delighted with the fact that some of his players have unlocked their potential during his tenure.

"We are lucky that we have had some immediate success but I do not think it is the ceiling for us. I think we have seen some guys who have unlocked their potential in the last 18 months or so and that is what the job is as a leader;  to get the most out of the people that you are in charge of," he concluded.