Blogger’s Park: Rules of the game

Lessons in leadership from the 22-yard pitch

April 17, 2024 08:56 IST

The Rahul-Rohit combine has consciously built a culture of fearlessness, where all the youngsters have blossomed.

By Arijit Ray

Indian cricket has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years. Each leader has taken the game forward. The current leadership combine of Captain Rohit Sharma and Coach Rahul Dravid is building on what has been done before. The limited over win percentage has improved — the team has won the Asia Cup, won 10 matches on a trot in the limited over World Cup, won a Test series in West Indies, forged a draw in South Africa, beat the Bazball-inspired England team 4-1 in tests, made it to the WTC final. The team is now a No 1 ranked team in all formats of the game.

What can India Inc learn from the team?

The Rahul-Rohit combine has consciously built a culture of fearlessness, where all the youngsters have blossomed. Led by Rohit’s centuries at pivotal points and stellar performances from all the seniors and juniors, India won the England series without a few key players. Behind the easy flowing style of shot-making, easygoing demeanour of Rohit lies a tremendous fire to win. Players talk about his focus on the process and how he works closely with each player understanding their needs, preparing for each aspect of the game. Commenting on Rohit’s persona after the England series win, Dravid said, “Rohit has been fantastic to work with. I think he is a terrific leader and the guys gravitate towards him phenomenally, which is fantastic to see.”

During the third test against England, Ashwin got to know his mother was in a critical condition. Ashwin says, “There were no flights out of Rajkot after 6pm. I did not know what to do.”

Rohit organised a chartered flight. He also organised one of the physios, who was close to Ashwin to travel with him. Ashwin says, “I’ve played under several captains and leaders. Rohit has something in him. In a selfish society, a man who thinks about someone else’s well-being is a rarity.”

A great testament to what Rohit Sharma is as a person.
We have known Rahul Dravid as one of the finest batsmen with steely determination and one of the nicest human beings. After the England Test series Rahul said, “For a lot of young guys, you are going to need each other to succeed. All of you are invested in each other’s success, and that’s important.” With the coach and captain committed to this path, the collective culture of the dressing room gets a boost.
Here are a few important pointers for the corporate pitch: