The CAPTAIN of INDIA, recklessly speeding at 200kmph - Is it mere carelessness or more?

Imagine our Prime Minister, representing India at international conferences, wearing a lungi and dancing to the "Lungi Dance" beats. Sounds absurd? It's unthinkable because we expect our leaders to uphold a certain image, a sense of responsibility, and dignity.

Certain roles come with specific expectations, etiquette, and standards. They are not just individuals; they are collective representations of our nation. We don't expect our leaders to act out of character.

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This blog is about a startling incident recently during a World Cup event ??. We will look at two concerning aspects of this incident.

?? The CAPTAIN of the GREAT INDIAN TEAM ??

As reported by various leading newspapers - "The opening batsman and cricket captain of India, Rohit Sharma, was driving to Pune to join the team for the ICC World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. He drove the car at a high speed of 200 km/hr and sometimes even went as high as 215 km/hr."

Our captain, who should epitomize responsibility and leadership on and off the field, was spotted driving his car at breakneck speeds ??. The question that echoes: ?? Is it just carelessness, or is there more to this story?

?? Cricket in India and the World Cup ??

Cricket in India is beyond the definition of a sport; it's an undivided emotion that unites a billion hearts. Our cricketing heroes are adored and admired, often seen as role models by millions of citizens.

When our cricket captain takes the field, he's not just playing for himself; he's playing for billions of passionate fans. Fans invest emotions, pride, and dreams in them. When they achieve success, we bask in glory, and when they falter, we share the disappointment.

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And, The World Cup ?? is the world's biggest sporting event. It's a high-stakes situation where every decision counts. Millions of hopes and high expectations are riding on the team's shoulders in every match. It's a time when players should be at the pinnacle of their focus and dedication, striving to bring glory to the nation.

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So, when our captain decides to go for a high-speed drive during this critical World Cup event, it's not just about breaking the traffic rules; it's about breaking hearts; it's a breach of trust ??. It's about letting down the collective hopes and dreams of a nation.

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?? If Rohit Sharma were any other individual, I wouldn't mind him driving even at 300 kmph. He can put his luck and fate to the test, in addition to 426 that die every day in road accidents (18 per hour) on Indian roads (source - https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-426-die-each-day-in-road-accidents-18-per-hour-513143). But here, the CAPTAIN was raging at a rampant speed of over 200 kmph. Is it not a heinous, reckless, careless act?

?? Two concerning aspects of this incident ??

First aspect:

Road safety is a bigger issue in India. This reckless act is a blatant disregard for the safety of himself and others on the road. A person earning multi-crores and holding the nation's dreams was issued a meagre penalty of a few thousand rupees. Is it worth it? So, should it not be questioned? It is not only unjustifiable but also shameful.

It should have called for a more severe punishment.

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Second aspect:

A captain with millions of fans doing this act sends a dangerous message that - "speeding is acceptable". Even worse, it sends the wrong message that - "individual thrill precedes the responsibility one carries as the leader/captain".

India, a country with the fastest growing economy and emerging leaders, can we afford this messaging?

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?? Learnings - Your Role Defines Your Actions ??

According to me, each role defines specific actions. Beyond a certain level, it's not just your image at stake. You become a collective representation. Whether you're the Prime Minister of a country, the captain of a cricket team, the CEO of a company, or a Leader, your responsibilities go far beyond your interests.

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A person playing gully cricket and captain of India are both individuals. But their roles define the responsibilities they own because they carry differential power to influence society.

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Similarly, your role as a fresher software developer versus a company CEO differs. As a fresher, you are answerable to very few; you have more freedom to make and learn from mistakes. However, as a CEO, each of your decisions must be wetted atleast ten times. CEO is answerable to company executives, the board of directors, the investors and every company employee.

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?? Do you and I hold an action here? ?? ??

As fans, we must hold our heroes and leaders to a higher standard. We should not tolerate any recklessness. We need to ensure they understand their responsibility and that the image they project goes far beyond their personal lives and profoundly impacts society.

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?? Conclusion ??

There is a very thin line between individuality and leadership responsibility. Just like there's a time and place for everything, there's a line between personal expression and leadership role.

In a world where information travels at the speed of light, where a single social media post can create or destroy an image, we must be cautious about how we represent ourselves in our respective roles.

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Remember, being a leader brings you into the spotlight. It brings power, and with great power comes great responsibility.?

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Beyond a certain level, it's not just your image; you are a collective representation, be it a political leader, corporate CEO, teacher, or sports team captain. Leadership is about setting an example living up to the values and expectations of those who look up to you.

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In conclusion, it's not about suppressing individuality or personal freedom, but as a leader/ captain, you carry the aspiration and responsibility of a billion hearts; your actions are louder and magnified. It's about recognizing the responsibilities that come with leadership positions.?

What do you think about this? Comments below. ?????