Cricket isn’t just a game. It’s a test of character, strategy, and leadership. Recently, I got the chance to captain a team in my office cricket tournament.
The experience was intense, filled with highs and lows. We won only one out of three matches, but what I took away from the tournament was far more valuable than just a trophy.
As co-captain alongside Prasad, my UpGrad buddy, we had different approaches to team selection. Prasad leaned towards young talent and close friends, while I put my faith in experience.
On paper, my strategy looked solid. But as the games unfolded, I realized leadership isn’t just about picking the best players. It’s about strategy, team dynamics, and most importantly—trust.
Key Takeaways from My Leadership Experience
1. Experience vs. Youth – A Balanced Approach Matters
I assumed that experienced players would automatically perform better. But experience sometimes comes with baggage.
Too many seasoned players can complicate decision-making. A balanced team of both young energy and seasoned expertise is often the best mix.
2. A Clear Strategy is Crucial
I failed to create a structured game plan. Who would bat first? Who would bowl? What strategy would we follow? Instead, I made impulsive decisions, which affected our overall performance. P
roper planning and structure are critical in both sports and leadership.
3. It’s Not About Individual Brilliance, But Team Success
I focused too much on my own performance. I scored runs, bowled well, and took catches. But in doing so, I forgot the bigger picture.
It’s a team game. Leadership is about elevating the entire team, not just excelling individually.
4. Firm Decision-Making is Key
I was too lenient and let team members influence decisions that should have been firm.
While listening to different perspectives is important, a leader must take charge. Establishing clear roles helps avoid chaos.
5. Don’t Overinvest in One Player
I put more than 50% of my auction budget into one player, believing in their potential. This not only added unnecessary pressure on them but also limited the team’s flexibility.
Diversified investment—whether in cricket or business—reduces risk and distributes responsibility.
The Turning Point – A Lesson in Loyalty
The most unexpected moment came when we lost the tie-breaker three-over match. As I went to shake hands with the opposing team, I saw one of my own players(X), someone I had fought to bring into my squad, congratulating Prasad.
“Thank God you won. I wanted you to win all the matches,” X said.
This was the same player who had conceded 25+ runs in the first over, putting us under massive pressure. Maybe X just had a bad day at cricket. But those words made me think—was the game rigged?
That moment felt like a betrayal. But it also taught me an important lesson. Some people prioritize personal relationships over professional responsibilities. You can’t expect professionalism from everyone, and that’s okay.
The Love for the Game Remains
Despite everything, every time I stepped onto the pitch, I felt alive. The thrill, the strategy, the camaraderie—it all gives me a sense of purpose and learning.
Many of my teammates performed exceptionally well, and I was proud of them. This experience made me rethink my approach to teamwork and leadership.
The Final Reflection
Losing didn’t bother me as much as the feeling of betrayal did. But in hindsight, this was a leadership test.
A chaotic, one-hour crash course in team dynamics, decision-making, and adaptability.
It would be unfair to judge my leadership skills based on a single game. But I know one thing for sure. I always expect the best from myself, and that’s what keeps me growing.
Cricket, just like life and business, is unpredictable. You plan, you play, you adapt. Some days you win.
Some days you learn. And this time, I learned a lot.
I totally get you. I live in and go through same things day in day out both at work and in Cricket.
I guess your team selection was better but sum days it dnt click, maybe if you play again another day u might win all 3. its that they played sum good cricket.
Agree you shd had been firm n only decision maker. you allowed everyone to take joint decision, sumtimes even that works bt u shd do tht only whn u r nt sure abt things.
you lacked advance plan abt batting n bowling order bt thn who wud had thought we will have international match type atmosphere. we thought its jst an office fun game.
No comment on X haha
but ya good learnings for next time and next time you win n let them learn lol.
but you got good leadership skills..keep going