Cricket is a religion in India that over a billion people follow, and I am no exception. Yesterday, cricket fans around the world witnessed something truly historic, with India defeating the hosts, Australia in a 4 game test series. This is just the second time India has ever won a test series in Australia and also the first time Australia lost at the Gabba (Brisbane) since 1988. Needless to say, all of India is celebrating this remarkable accomplishment.
I was up at 2:30 am watching every moment and captured this video, and I think the commentator said it best:
“India win the test, they win the series, they win the hearts and minds of cricket fans all over the world. Test cricket’s heart is beating hard and it’s beating true. One of the greatest sporting performances ever seen on Australian soil. They were down, they were out and India have risen, and they’ve held on to the Border-Gavaskar trophy in a truly epic series.“
While the series win is awe inspiring for a number of reasons, I wanted to capture the lessons we can all learn from this remarkable team.
Failure – A Necessary Step In Defining Your Destiny
Failure can be a stepping stone to success, provided you approach it with the right attitude and learn from your mistakes. India suffered a historic loss in the first test, including their lowest innings score EVER. All the pundits had ruled them out and many felt that Australia would win the series 4-0. However they put the loss behind them and thought of what’s possible if they believed and played together as a team. And they accomplished the impossible! If the team had let all the negativity creep in, the series would have looked very different.
Seize Your Opportunities
When an opportunity comes along, you have to step up and seize the moment no matter how daunting it might seem. With all the injuries to the playing XI, a number of young inexperienced players with little to no test cricket experience under their belt had to step up and face the mighty Aussies. However they did not let fear get the better of them. They instead capitalized on the opportunity that they were given. They played beyond their potential and led India to victory, making all of us proud!
When You Work Together As A Team, ANYTHING Is Possible.
If you looked at the individuals on the Indian team and compared them to the Australian team, they were no match in any sense. In the fourth test match at the Gabba, where Australia has not lost a test match since 1988, the Aussie bowling attack had a combined 260+ matches under their belt compared to the Indian bowlers have a combined experience of under 6. But they relied on each others strengths and played as ONE TEAM, with different individuals stepping up at crucial junctures. They put the TEAM first and accomplished greatness, with the debutants playing crucial roles in the victory!
A True Leader Can Inspire And Help Achieve The Impossible.
Rahane was asked to step in and captain the team after the historic loss in the first test. He was not in an enviable position. India’s captain and number 1 batsman, Virat Kohli, was back in India, Rahane’s personal form was not the best and there were a number of injuries affecting many of the top players. Any yet he led with character, integrity and positivity bringing out the best in each and every member of the team. He led from the front by scoring a century that was instrumental in India winning the second test. In addition, during various situations in the games he spoke to his inexperienced players and motivated them when they needed it the most. And they came through for him and rewarded him for his belief in them.