Through My Lens: India’s World Cup T20 Win | Lessons From A Human Perspective!

“They speak behind your back, because they can never get ahead of you”

In the world of sports, victories are celebrated, and losses are mourned. But beyond the scoreboard lies a treasure trove of life lessons. Watching Team India’s journey in the T20 World Cup was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments that taught us invaluable lessons about life & leadership. Enough has been written about leadership, my humble attempt is to try and present the human side of this win.

When the final wicket fell, the stadium erupted in a mix of cheers and tears, a testament to the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by both players and fans. The sight of players hugging each other, some with tears streaming down their faces, was a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience.

As ardent fans of cricket I remember watching the final match with my family, feeling the collective heartbeat of a nation as the final ball was bowled. The tension was palpable, and the joy of victory was shared by millions. It was a moment that transcended the sport itself, reminding us of the power of unity and perseverance.

As parents we had two key experiences as the final progressed, one the pleasure of watching this epic final in our younger son’s Srijith Sunil's (working at Dynatrace Inc.,) house. The second and more important moment of truth was when our younger son stood up and sought the autographs of his parents on his Indian cricket jersey to memorialize this moment. It was tears of joy for us having raised our children right.

A sportsman in his own right and a scholastic athlete who has played multiple sports including Cricket, Football, Soccer and Tennis, at his school, college, league, varsity and regional levels, this monumental moment was very special to him. One he wanted to make it special for us.

Now let’s look at the lessons learnt dispassionately.

Through my lens - Lessons From A Human Perspective        

Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. Many celebrated Team India’s T20 World Cup win but remember verry few supported their loss post the 2023 World Cup. As professionals, let’s lead with empathy in both good and tough times. Treat losses as learning opportunities rather than be condemned as abject failures.

It’s not over till it’s over. When hope seemed lost, the team in the middle transformed the outcome. Trust your team, and results will follow.

Ridiculing is easy, delivering results is not. A player who faced relentless criticism became crucial in the most critical moment of the game. Don’t let distractions hinder you. Hindrances are those you see when you take your eyes off your goal. Stay focused, and results will follow.

Every drop fills the cup, and every drop matters: A team win is a collective triumph, celebrating not just players, but substitutes, support staff, officials, and administrators. This win was possible as much due to some star players as it was to the contribution of others around them – everyone equally mattered in the winning of the cup. In a professional setting, recognizing everyone's contribution, regardless of role, is key. Every member plays a part, and every part matters.

Failure is not fatal, winning is not everything. The team that lost the ODI World Cup 2023 came back to win the T20 World Cup 2024. Don’t judge by a few defeats or be carried away by some wins. Consistency in trust matters, and it is this trust in ordinary men that delivers extraordinary outcomes, so true at workplace.

Every journey begins with a step and ends when you step up to step down. Four legends decided to retire together at the most opportune moment, showcasing collective camaraderie. Everyone in the journey of life has to alight when it’s their destiny or destination.

Good leaders never quit, but great leaders know when to. Leadership is not just a role but a responsibility. Rahul, Rohit, Ravindra (RRR) and the King Kohli, all leaders in their own right bid adieu after delivering to the best of their ability & responsibility to drive Indian cricket to the pinnacle of the platform’s glory.

The world stops for none; it moves on. Victory, defeat, and retirement are all part of life. In today’s fast-moving life and social media cycle, this too shall pass. Don’t be too concerned or lost in the win or loss; life moves on. This is particularly important for professionals who need to build strong physical and mental acumen in this ever-changing dynamic world.

We are all human, lets express it. The celebration of victory was also a meltdown of emotions. Tears streamed down the players’ faces, reflecting the immense pain and joy they had endured to reach this point. It’s okay to let those precious tears flow down your cheek once in a while, as you have let enough sweat flow down the same way to get to where you are today

Family first and family forever. One thing that stood out was how families rallied around the players in both victory and defeat. Whether you are a top corporate honcho or just another breadwinner, the only people who will matter at the end of the day are your family. They will hug you at your best or not. Never take the baggage of work home. The ego, politics, and stress of work life should be parked at your doorstep. The welcoming smile of your parents, partners, children, or pets is the world where you matter most. Never give them up or compromise quality time with them for anything. They alone will be there when you are down and alone

In closing, as we move forward, let us carry these lessons with us, embracing both triumphs and setbacks with grace and resilience. The journey of life, much like a cricket match, is filled with highs and lows. It’s how we navigate these moments that define us. Let’s celebrate our victories, learn from our defeats, and always cherish the support of our loved ones