Winning : The intersection of Cricket, Bollywood, Bhagwad Gita and Corporate India's success formula

ndia's triumph in the Champions Trophy is more than a cricket achievement; it represents the creation of a strong, efficient framework that consistently produces champions. The current Indian cricket team operates like a well-oiled machine, not reliant on a few star players, much like a successful corporation driven by leadership, vision, and adept execution.

Just as Bollywood delivers memorable lines that resonate with our collective spirit and the Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom, India's cricketing accomplishments serve as a valuable lesson for business leaders. This narrative ties together Bollywood, the Bhagavad Gita, cricket, and Corporate India into a motivational guide for success.

1. “Rishte Mein Toh Hum Tumhare Boss Lagte Hain!” - ?Cultivating a Winning Framework

India's cricket victory is no fluke; it stems from a carefully constructed system that consistently nurtures top-tier cricketers. Today, it's possible to assemble multiple competitive Indian teams.

Corporate Insight:

Successful companies don’t rely on a singular outstanding CEO or visionary. Corporations like Reliance, TCS, Infosys, Tata, and Adani are built as institutions emphasizing talent development and leadership succession, creating an environment where leaders emerge rather than merely being appointed.

Bhagavad Gita Wisdom (Chapter 2, Verse 47):

"Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana"

(You have the right to act, but not to the outcomes of your actions.)

Indian cricket’s focus extends beyond short-term successes; it emphasizes long-term player development. Similarly, businesses should invest in growth and nurturing talent, trusting that the results will eventually follow.

2. “Koi Dhanda Chhota Nahi Hota, Aur Dhande Se Bada Koi Dharam Nahi Hota” - Emphasising Adaptability

India's cricketing achievements reflect a strong capacity for adaptation. The team changes strategies based on various match situations, akin to a startup responding to a dynamic market.

Consider the IPL: initially seen as mere entertainment, it has evolved into a top-tier talent development platform, cultivating players who excel under pressure and adapt across different formats.

Corporate Insight:

Examining Indian firms reveals remarkable adaptability—Zomato, Ola, Nykaa, and Zerodha—all have successfully pivoted and thrived. Startups that endure realize that flexibility is essential for success in business, much like in cricket.

Bhagavad Gita Wisdom (Chapter 6, Verse 5):

“Uddhared Atmanatmanam, Na Atmanam Avasadayet”

(One should elevate oneself through their own mind, not degrade.)

Successful organizations don’t point fingers at market conditions; they innovate, evolve, and respond proactively.

3. “Agar Haarne Se Darr Lagta Hai, Toh Jeetne Ki Iccha Mat Rakhna” - Embracing Risks

India's cricket team has demonstrated a willingness to embrace risks, granting young players opportunities, supporting bold captaincy, and making daring decisions.

Corporate Insight:

The most successful companies—like Amazon, Tesla, SpaceX, and Jio—have taken calculated risks. Mukesh Ambani's bold investment in Jio and Elon Musk's gamble on electric vehicles have positioned them as industry frontrunners.

Bhagavad Gita Wisdom (Chapter 3, Verse 35):

“Shreyan swadharmo vigunah, paradharmat swanushthitat”

(Fulfilling one’s own duty is superior to succeeding in the duty of another.)

Risk is essential. Playing it safe in either business or cricket leads to mediocrity; true winners make bold choices.

4. “Babu Moshai, Zindagi Badi Honi Chahiye, Lambi Nahi” - Investigating Leadership beyond Titles

Examine figures like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Their unique leadership styles have profound, lasting effects. True leadership is not merely about holding a title; it's about leaving a legacy.

Corporate Insight:

Consider leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft, Sundar Pichai at Google, and Natarajan Chandrasekaran at Tata—they weren't necessarily the most recognized names, yet they evolved into legendary leaders.

Bhagavad Gita Wisdom (Chapter 10, Verse 20):

“Aham atma gudakesha, sarva-bhutasaya sthitah”

(I am the soul residing in the hearts of all beings.)

Genuine leaders inspire rather than command; they are the essence of their organizations.

5. “Kabhi Kabhi Jeetne Ke Liye Kuch Haarna Padta Hai” - Concentrating on the Greater Goal

The Indian cricket team prioritizes collective success over individual accolades, with players willing to sacrifice personal achievements for the team's victory.

Corporate Insight:

Leading businesses prioritize long-term objectives over short-term gains. Amazon operated at a loss for years to establish market dominance, just as Jio provided free data to outmaneuver competitors.

Bhagavad Gita Wisdom (Chapter 18, Verse 78):

“Yatra Yogeshwarah Krishna, yatra Partho dhanur-dharah”

(Where there is wisdom from Krishna and action from Arjuna, success will manifest.)

Fusing wisdom with execution guarantees success.

Conclusion: “Transform the Game Instead of Just Playing It”

The Indian cricket team has redefined success, creating a framework where achievement is an ongoing journey, not merely a singular event.

This is precisely what Corporate India requires: a culture of winning, a strong talent pipeline, daring decision-making, adaptability, and a clear long-term vision.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a CEO, or an emerging professional, remember—the mission transcends the individual. Focus on the team, the vision, and the overarching system, and you won't just win once; you’ll establish a legacy of wins.

Because the true champion is not merely the one who claims the trophy, but the one who paves the way for the next ten to follow.

By

Dr Kaustubh Sonalkar

(the views expressed are solely my individual views and they may and might differ from many readers)