Navigating Change: Lessons from the India vs. Australia Match in Perth

The recent India vs. Australia cricket match in Perth was a gripping spectacle of resilience, strategy, and adaptability. Beyond the scoreboard, the game reflected the challenges leaders face when navigating change in difficult project landscapes. Here are my five key takeaways, moments from the match.

1. Assess the Terrain Perth’s pitch was a bowler’s paradise, unpredictable and unforgiving. The low scores in the first innings highlighted the need to adapt quickly. Leaders in projects must do the same—assess the “terrain,” identify risks, and recalibrate strategies to stay relevant. Jaiswal’s stunning comeback with 161 in the second innings is a reminder that learning and adapting are critical for success.
2. Win Internal Battles Virat Kohli’s gritty century wasn’t just about runs on the board; it was a victory over his own doubts and the immense pressure of the situation. In business, leaders must often overcome internal resistance—fear of failure or hesitation to pivot. Winning these internal battles is the first step toward external success.
3. Leverage Momentum India’s decision to declare in the last session of Day 3, putting a fatigued Australia to bat, was a masterstroke. Bagging three wickets late in the day shifted the momentum decisively. In projects, leaders must seize moments of advantage—whether it’s a favourable market trend or a team’s high morale—to push forward.
4. Collaboration Over Heroics India's win wasn’t the result of one star performance; it came from collective contributions. In projects, collaboration and leveraging each team member’s strengths ensure success, especially in challenging circumstances.
5. Celebrate Small Wins The 3 wicket India claimed on Day 3 fuelled their energy for the next day. Acknowledging small wins in a project keeps teams motivated and focused on the larger goal.

Much like cricket, difficult projects test resilience, adaptability, and leadership. By embracing these lessons, we can turn setbacks into opportunities and deliver results that go beyond expectations—just like the champions on the field.

Varun Mehta Vinil Chandrashekar Narendra Lomada Waqas K. Atif khan Dibyendu Sarkar Andrew Calvert, PCC Ian Middleton Shyam Sundar Naresh Alagan Shiva Rajagopalan Shantanu Chakraborty Julien Al Jawich Ben Handler Alexis Zahner Suresh Radhakrishnan Rajesh Radhakrishnan Prakash Krishnan Hari Sankar Nathan Kasinathan PMP, CSM Hema M Srinivas