Vidit Munshi’08,’10, a Legacy of Sports and Academics at Boston University
October 18, 2024
Professor Vidit Munshi, a dynamic presence at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, has masterfully intertwined his enthusiasm for sports with his academic pursuits, creating a multifaceted career that inspires many. As an early member and first-ever coach of the BU Cricket team and a long-standing Media Relations Assistant at the Boston Red Sox, Vidit’s journey highlights his dedication and versatility.
Vidit’s love for cricket was deeply influenced by his father, who took him to watch and learn the sport before understanding baseball. “Whenever we’d go to India, I’d play a lot of cricket,” Vidit recalls. His passion for the game intensified when he joined BU as a student and joined the BU Cricket Club, which at the time was a “cultural” club as part of the Student Activities Office. This group quickly grew as they discovered a significant demand for competitive cricket in the Boston area, leading them to travel to southern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and beyond. Their efforts led to the establishment of the BU Cricket Club as an official university club sport, with Vidit transitioning from player to coach. “I moved from being a player to more of a mentor role,” he explains. Even while pursuing his PhD at Harvard, Vidit remained connected to the team, often playing against them in friendly matches, much to the delight of his students. The photos below depict Vidhit (center) with BU Students and Alumni after an Alumni game at New Balance Field and Vidit (bottom left) with his cricket team at nationals in Florida.
Vidit’s journey in sports journalism began in high school, where he wrote for the local newspaper. His passion for sports media led him to BU’s School of Communication to take a sports journalism class, taught by the esteemed professor Jack Falla. This class opened the door to a position as a Media Relations Assistant at the Boston Red Sox. Initially tasked with synthesizing numerous publications about the Red Sox into concise reports, Vidit’s role expanded over the years.
Vidit Munshi (middle) with his brother and father at Fenway Park after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2013
He eventually found himself inside locker rooms, attending games, and recording interviews with visiting team managers for local papers. This role not only honed his media skills but also provided unique insights into the professional sports world.
Balancing his sports-related activities, Vidit also pursued an impressive academic career. He holds a PhD in Health Policy from Harvard University, an MA in Economics from Boston University, and a BA in Economics with a minor in Journalism from BU. His teaching portfolio at Questrom includes courses like Quantitative Methods, Data Analysis for Managerial Decision-Making, and Modeling Business Decisions and Market Outcomes. As a lecturer, Vidit brings a wealth of real-world experience to his classes, enriching the learning environment for his students. His dual roles in sports and academia exemplify the spirit of versatility and dedication.
Vidit’s contributions to BU extend beyond the classroom and the cricket field. His efforts have fostered a sense of community and cultural connection among students, bridging the gap between their diverse backgrounds and shared interests.
His work with the Red Sox has not only enriched his professional life but has also brought valuable industry insights to his students. Reflecting on his journey, Vidit emphasizes the importance of passion and perseverance. “Balancing different interests and roles is challenging but rewarding,” he says. His story is a powerful reminder of how one can blend multiple passions into a cohesive and impactful career.
Vidit Munshi and his wife who is also a BU alum!
As Vidit Munshi continues to shape young minds at BU Questrom, his story serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. His dedication to cricket, his significant role at the Red Sox, and his commitment to education highlight the diverse opportunities available at Boston University. Vidit Munshi truly embodies the Questrom spirit, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve excellence in multiple fields.