In a team sport, you represent everything that your opponents, officials and spectators will ever encounter first-hand about a country called India

In a world where the definition of patriotism is being contested, and perverted, in equal measure, ask any international sportsperson how it feels to represent their country, and their answer will almost always be: "A privilege". No chest-thumping, no macho-swagger. That is because once you get on to a field of play, and play your sport at the highest level, you understand it's not about winning or losing — that's never in your hands. It's about being the best you can be.