Why is it that some teams can crush the opposition while others throw away winning positions?
In cricket, things can turn around very quickly. Celebrating one moment, you are frustrated the next.
Some years ago, it was in middle of cricket summer. My college team was competing in a one off fixture. Our team was superior to them and not just on paper; we had dominated much of the game and thought we had the other team nailed down to the floor.
But we were in for a big surprise.
It was a 40 over game. We won the toss and fielding first, bundled out the other team for just 173 runs (A meek total looking at the pitch and conditions). It was easy, we didn’t do any miracles, it just happened for us.
We started the batting swiftly, I remember we were 92 without a loss at one point. We were cheerful and backed ourselves to win easily.
Our captain, who batted one down, was in a calm and relaxing mood. It was like we were on a vacation, already picturing ourselves with the game won.
Then we suddenly lost both openers. That brought me and my captain in the middle. The game was still in our favor, but unlike us the other team were talking, communicating and backing up. They had this belief, an inspiration.
Something had taken over them.
Suddenly, everything was rushing. Their fast bowlers were bowling faster and more accurate. Their spinners were turning the ball.
When couple of balls went by me, I felt uneasy, so did my captain after he played and missed a few. The opposition team was confident and in full flow now. For 92/0 we were bowled out for 146.
We had lost the game, as we had given the other team opportunity to settle and take control of us.
In other words, we had simply become complacent.
During my stay at the creased, I observed that their captain was really involved in the game. He constantly talked to his bowlers and fielders. There were messages coming from the coach, everything was happening for them. We were reminded by few basics which we had forgotten by that team.
After that game, our coach gave us a lecture in which he told us:
- A game isn’t over till it’s really over.
- Never underestimate your opponent.
- Celebrations can get cut short if you become complacent.
- Playing, planning and participation by each player must be from start to end.
- If you want to become a champion, get hold of your nerves when things aren’t going your way.
- Captain should play the lead role in encouraging his players and giving them self belief.
The things our coach told us are very basic and have probably been told to you by your coaches as well.
But make sure you believe them.
We didn’t and paid the price.
Next time, you are in a winning position; make sure you don’t throw away the momentum by getting complacent.
Play the game with all your heart until the final bowl is bowled.
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