Approaches to Life- Learning from Cricket

I used to play cricket in school. Until a few years ago, I was also a regular cricket-watcher. Now, I am an occasional watcher, mostly an hour of any match which interests me in one day is enough. But it can certainly teach you a lot about life and how to approach it.
For ease of understanding, I have tried equating different approaches with current cricketers. I am quite sure equivalents can be found among past cricketers too.

The Sehwag Approach: In old cricketing lingo, this is called the hit out or get out approach. It is good if it works, and enjoyable for the spectators-not always for the player. A carefree attitude, and living in the present moment are the hallmarks.

The Dravid Approach: Somewhat stodgy, appears boring at times, but it works. A person who slogs it out, unmindful of criticism, knowing that the team's goals are paramount. In life, a guy who slogs it out for the family may be an equivalent.

The Laxman Approach: A sort of via-media between the two approaches above. There is a tendency to play your shots, and also a high chance of bringing them off, unlike the Sehwag approach. Finnesse, rather than brawn, achieves the objective in this case. A balance between team's requirements and personal freedom, and also a willingness to never say die. For me, one of the greatest innings ever was the Eden Gardens double century against Australia played by Laxman. What a spirit!To paraphrase an old cigarette ad, 'Smoothness was never so satisfying'.

The Dhoni Approach: This has more to do with leading others, motivating others, giving space to others, and not trying to bask in the glory of everyone else's achievements. We all see around us people who can advice when needed, withdraw when not needed, and give others the credit whenever they can.

The Srisanth Appproach: This could be described as "Apne Pairon Pe Kulhadi" which negates the inherent talent that one has, by sheer lack of focus and application. Vinod Kambli would be an earlier example.

3 comments:

Diamond Head said...

I sound like a true old fogey on the subject of cricket not having watched a game in any capacity for over 2 decades but -

Vengsarkar from Bombay stood out (literally and fig) as the one chap you want to send there to simply bore the bowlers 'out'. That man had more patience than a monk and could just stay on the wicket for couple days with 70 odd runs to his credit through the ordeal.

Rajendra said...

Yeah, Gavaskar used to take the cake in that dept..

Harimohan said...

I like the one on the Sreesanth-apne-pairon-par-kulhadi approach. Never short of drama with him around!

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