Winning a world cup is a big feat no matter which sports or by which country or individual. However, winning a cricket world cup by India in India is more than just a big feat. It is historic and a lifelong celebration and a point to prove for all Indians because cricket is a religion here. Twenty eight years after Kapil Dev led Indian team triumphed at Lord’s beating the mighty West Indies, Team India under Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won it for the country a second time. The rise of India as a cricket playing country had been boosted by the famous win in 1983. And ever since, India has been among the top teams in the world. It was inevitable that Team India would one day lift the coveted trophy. However the fact that it had to wait for 28 years also meant that the Indian team/s over the years could not convert their talent and ability into a champion side, one that could play consistently with discipline and as a team. That was the difference between Dhoni’s team and the teams of the past. Winning alone does not make you a champion. It requires more than just talent. The world cup triumph was a result of consistency and total team effort. Just consider the result of three wins on the trot against defending champion Australia in the quarter finals, against dangerous Pakistan in the Semi-Finals and the final against Sri-Lanka. Consistent performance was the key to India winning the 2011 world cup. Just consider the fact that Australia won three world cups in a row—1999, 2003 & 2007. Australia would not have lifted the hat trick of world cups had it not won matches consistently. In this just concluded world cup South Africa for instance was rated as one of the favorites. They in fact topped one of the groups. They won matches however they could not win consistently to reach the final and win one more time to lift it. India on the other hand did just that. Consistency is therefore the difference between a world champion in the making and one that actually wins it.
Consistency & Team Spirit did it for Team India
After coming close to achieving this feat in recent years, Team India finally managed to keep their cool, stay focus and win matches that really mattered. The other important ingredient of this winning formula would undoubtedly be team spirit. Having a record breaking batsman (Sachin Tendulkar) or huge pools of world talents does not necessarily produce world champions. The important thing is for all players to contribute towards success of the team. This Indian team won the world cup because everyone played their part and came up with personal contribution when it mattered. It was not only one batsman who was scoring runs or one bowler taking all the opposition wickets. The contribution was spread out right throughout the tournament and across matches. If one player failed then another made up for it. For instance Sachin Tendulkar who scored heavily in this world cup failed in the finals. Concurrently Captain MS Dhoni who failed to contribute with the bat made up and scored a match winning knock of 91 runs not out. Unlike teams of the past where dependence on one or two players was more, this was truly a team effort. Much credit should go to both the Captain Dhoni and Coach Gary Kirsten for managing the affairs of the Indian team. The leadership quality shown by Dhoni help unite and give confidence to his team mates. Gary Kirsten with his cool temperament, composure and genuineness drew respect and cooperation from the players who where therefore able to perform with self-confidence, focus and team spirit. The success of Team India at the world cup is one part the talent and skills of our cricketers. The other important factor is the great team camaraderie under two inspiring leaders. This is a great lesson beyond the cricket field.
Consistency & Team Spirit did it for Team India
After coming close to achieving this feat in recent years, Team India finally managed to keep their cool, stay focus and win matches that really mattered. The other important ingredient of this winning formula would undoubtedly be team spirit. Having a record breaking batsman (Sachin Tendulkar) or huge pools of world talents does not necessarily produce world champions. The important thing is for all players to contribute towards success of the team. This Indian team won the world cup because everyone played their part and came up with personal contribution when it mattered. It was not only one batsman who was scoring runs or one bowler taking all the opposition wickets. The contribution was spread out right throughout the tournament and across matches. If one player failed then another made up for it. For instance Sachin Tendulkar who scored heavily in this world cup failed in the finals. Concurrently Captain MS Dhoni who failed to contribute with the bat made up and scored a match winning knock of 91 runs not out. Unlike teams of the past where dependence on one or two players was more, this was truly a team effort. Much credit should go to both the Captain Dhoni and Coach Gary Kirsten for managing the affairs of the Indian team. The leadership quality shown by Dhoni help unite and give confidence to his team mates. Gary Kirsten with his cool temperament, composure and genuineness drew respect and cooperation from the players who where therefore able to perform with self-confidence, focus and team spirit. The success of Team India at the world cup is one part the talent and skills of our cricketers. The other important factor is the great team camaraderie under two inspiring leaders. This is a great lesson beyond the cricket field.
