Why India is the epicentre of your social works? Any special connect with the country?

India has always been a special place for me. Having travelled here many times over the past 13-plus years, it's become a second home. It's hard to describe it, but I just feel a bond and connect with this place. I love the colour, the culture, the chaos and most of all, the people. The hospitality and warmth I receive from Indian people every time I come here is very moving. The most fascinating thing about India is the people, they are warm and generous and they have taken me under their wing and looked after me like a son. I wanted to do something to give back to the country that has given me so much.

How do you manage to find time for all this?

Yes, life can be pretty busy – especially when I come to India – but when it's your passion, you can always find the time! I am pretty involved in the Foundation at a strategic level, helping to guide the focus of our work, build networks and connections and generate support. And then, I love getting hands on when I am in India – visiting our kids, launching new programmes and advocating what we are doing to heal, educate and empower disadvantaged kids through the power of music.

How did this idea of using music to spread awareness among masses come to your mind?

With a young son of my own, I am passionate about kids. I am also incredibly passionate about music. It's nice to be able to combine my passions and help make a difference – that way it is never ‘work' and is always a joy to be a part of. My Foundation managers were well aware of the innovative work being done in the field of music to change lives internationally. Through their help and guidance, we developed a plan for bringing this approach and work to India. We don't just use music to spread awareness among the masses. In fact, we educate kids through music – through musical games, songs and activities. We also focus on music for healing – doing music therapy with cancer patients in Mumbai.

How has been the experience of playing with Indian cricketers during this IPL series?

Fantastic! Our team has such a great bond and the beauty of IPL is the way it strips the country divides away from players and unites them in a team – especially when you are so used to playing as their opponents. The most fascinating thing about Indian cricket is the crowds and their passion for the game. There is nothing better than opening the bowling for your side, running down the pitch to the roar of the crowd, I just love it. I've learnt a lot about local culture and traditions from my Indian team mates. And of course, expanded my Hindi vocabulary! I love learning the local language and using it among the team and the people I meet here. Bahut mazzaa aata hai!

You are involved in so many things all together– like cricket, music, travel show and social service. How do you manage?

Welcome to my life! Yes, it can be hectic, but truth be told, I love every minute of it, I love doing a million things at once. Of course, I'm looking forward to some time out post IPL and taking a break with my son Preston, but these are the things I love in life – cricket, music, travel, making a difference – so its easy to juggle it all. Plus, I am supported by amazing people who are like family to me, which makes the ride enjoyable and worthwhile!

Would you also like to give cricket training to budding players of India?

I'm really enjoying my new role as bowling mentor at KKR this season and I'm very happy to share my experience and techniques with the younger players. There is so much great talent here and I remember how much I valued being taught by some of the ‘bowling greats' and how much of an impact it made on my career, particularly when I was struggling through injuries and had to learn a complete new style and form to reduce the impact on my body. I will always want to give something back to the game of cricket.

Is your son accompanying you during the IPL matches?

My son Preston is my best mate and the apple of my eye. I'm a very proud dad and it was fantastic to have him over here during IPL to visit me in Kolkata – it is the one thing I dislike about being away from home so much with cricket, I miss my boy and spending time with him.