Leadership Lessons from Rohit Sharma.

In a recent in-depth piece featured in The New Yorker, the story of how ISIS was effectively countered in Iraq by Kurdish forces underscores a powerful lesson: the potency of calmness amidst chaos, and how it can tip the scales in favor of victory against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Before encountering the Kurds, ISIS employed a highly volatile strategy in warfare. They unleashed waves of suicide bombers to sow confusion within enemy ranks, capitalizing on the ensuing chaos to gain territorial control. However, their tactics faltered when faced with the resolute resistance of the Kurds.

Refusing to be ensnared by ISIS's tactics, the Kurds demonstrated remarkable composure. They methodically neutralized ISIS's suicide squads, gradually turning the tide of battle and achieving victories that had once appeared unattainable.

In a realm seemingly worlds away, but equally steeped in the drama of high-stakes competition, is the story of Rohit Sharma, India's cricket captain. Despite his reputation for bravery and leading from the front, Sharma faced a series of devastating defeats. From a crushing loss to England in the T20 World Cup semi-finals to setbacks against Australia in the World Test Championship final and a heartbreaking defeat in the One Day World Cup final at home, Sharma endured a barrage of challenges.

The blows continued as Sharma was stripped of his captaincy by the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. Amidst mounting pressure, particularly after England clinched victory in the first test on Indian soil, calls for Sharma's removal reverberated in certain circles.

Yet, in the face of adversity, Sharma exhibited remarkable poise. He approached team selection with precision, consistently opting for a lineup featuring five frontline bowlers—a strategic move that contrasted sharply with England's reliance on four bowlers and occasional contributions from part-time players like Joe Root.

Beyond tactical decisions, Sharma maintained a sense of humor on the field, as evidenced by lively exchanges captured by stump microphones. His leadership shone brightest, however, through his batting prowess, delivering two centuries that propelled India to a stunning comeback victory, despite fielding several debutantes.

Drawing parallels to the strategic complexities of chess, where rapid moves can induce costly errors, Sharma's captaincy exemplified the wisdom of slowing the pace, seizing control, and striking decisively when opportunities arise. Unfazed by external pressures or the onslaught of opposition, Sharma remained steadfast in his convictions and strategic approach.

In Sharma's leadership, there lies a profound lesson for all. It's a reminder to resist the allure of the opponent's tactics, to remain steadfast in leveraging one's strengths, and to consistently pursue the path of positivity and wisdom, even in the face of uncertainty. While success may not always be guaranteed, Sharma's example ensures that one never falters in the pursuit of making the most prudent decisions.