Arvind Sethi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Mutual
Fund recounts his most memorable World Cup moment, similarities between cricket
and investing & more.
How do
you rate India’s chances of winning in this cricket world cup?
Mind says 40%, but the heart wants it to be 100%.
What are your plans to watch World Cup final and semi-finals?
I’ll keep an eye on the India - Australia semi-final during the day. And if we are in the final I will watch with friends. But frankly when India is in a big match it is just too gut wrenching to watch - because every bad ball bowled by us or a run not taken or a bad umpiring decision against us hurts!
Have you bunked school, college or office to watch India’s match ever? Any story which you would like to share?
I was at school long before sport became so big on TV.
Your favourite World Cup moment?
The 1983 win. We were with my grandfather in Kashmir and watched the last few overs of India’s unexpected win on a blurred black and white TV.
Who is your favourite cricketer?
Allow me four modern players. Jacque Kallis for his sheer talent. He could have been in any national team, in any form of the game as a bowler or a batsman. The greatest player ever. Dravid (jointly with Kumble) for his talent, work ethic, professionalism, mental strenght and whilst being modest. And Dhoni for his amazingly cool head, awesome mental toughness and leadership qualities.
What are the similarities between cricket and investing?
Fund managers have to work incredibly hard to make sense of the information overload, be extremely objective and not be swayed by arguments which justify the price (!) and also have raw talent - like any cricketer. From an investor’s perspective, equity market is like a game with ups and downs and they must have the mental strength, which comes from knowledge and faith, to realise the fruit of their journey.
Which Indian player in the World Cap squad would make the best fund manager?
Probably Dhoni, because he would hire the best research team, believe in them, back their picks solidly and remain calm when either their picks or the market provides negative surprises.
What have you learned from cricket?
I love sport and in life it has taught me that - success is about team work, being intellectually honest and objective about things, stamina for the marathon and character.
