You can glean powerful lessons from cricket, especially about the tough road to success. A journey that has its highs and lows, like anything else in life.

Of course, we tune in to experience the thrill of viewing competitive sport and witness the exuberant celebrations of players. So much grit and glory!

But how about the other aspects? Does your mind ever register the less glitzy details accompanying the cricket players’ paths to success? 

Test Journey

An international test cricket match concluded in the UK at the end of July 2020. The entire cricket world was locked in to the England vs. West Indies Test.

And many others too in the broader sporting world.

What made it so special? 

This was the first time since the start of the global pandemic that a major international sports team had travelled for major competition. They were the “guinea pigs” for post-lockdown play.

A cloud bursting with anticipation and eagerness hovered over the event. The energy vibrated across players and fans alike.

But let me stop you right here so that you understand what comes next. This is not a story about game highlights nor results.

This is a story around micro-events involving the players, all occurring while fans gleefully screamed or grunted at our televisions.

It is a story about the disappointments, the gruelling decisions, the less glorious moments behind brilliant successes.

We can all learn a thing or two from it. 

Career & Sacrifice

England Test Captain, Joe Root, opted to cheer his team from the confines of his home. The opening match coincided with the birth of his second child. 

West Indies Test Captain, Jason Holder, bowed out from in-person birthday celebrations for both his lady and his dad. Instead he chose to fly to England to lead his team under highly unusual circumstances.

From the confines of the event “bio-bubble”, he took to Instagram to wish his dad a happy 60th.

Mixed in the message of loving sentiment was also a trace of lament...

“I know, again, I’m not there to celebrate with you.”

Lessons from cricket #1

Like the famous sportsmen on our televisions, behind every successful person lies a long trail of sacrifices made.

Be prepared for some of the tough decisions and cherished moments that we have to forego in order to arrive at certain heights or to stay elevated.

There is a balance, however, that needs to be sought.

We also have to take care that in pursuit of our ambitions, and in building for the future, that we don’t neglect our present.

Let’s hope we can each choose paths that will assure not only our success, but our happiness as well.

The Price Of Commitment

Except for three members, the West Indies team travelled to England during the pandemic. This was not a light decision to make.

The UK has had one of the highest numbers of recorded coronavirus deaths in the world.

It was a risk to travel – a very carefully calculated one. 

They arrived a month ahead of play, living under quarantine conditions in a strict biosecure environment. In the closing interview, captain Jason Holder did not shy away from admitting to the mental toll of isolation on all.

Lessons from cricket #2

Success calls for extreme dedication and mental fortitude to keep pushing ahead in spite of hurdles encountered.

Another key takeaway from cricket here on lessons in success is having an ability to swiftly adapt to changing conditions.

Do you have what it takes?

If not, what steps and adjustments do you need to make to get there?

Playing the Long Game 

“When I get that opportunity again (to play), you can bet that I’ll be on the money.”

Words of confidence from English cricketer, Stuart Broad, delivered to Sky Sports following his exclusion from the 1st match.

That news was a crushing blow.

He even described in that interview exactly how it felt.

“I’ve been frustrated, angry, gutted because it’s quite a  hard decision to understand… I’ve probably bowled the best I’ve ever bowled in the last couple of years.”

Stuart Broad later turned around and performed exceedingly well when that opportunity to play arrived.

On the last day of play, he added the cherry on top: he took his 500th career wicket. This is a major feat which only an elite few in the cricket world have achieved in Test format, ever.

Lessons from cricket #3

The lesson here is simple. We must be able to rise above disappointments. Do not sink in frustration nor let it diminish your drive. Our future successes depend on it. 

Also read: 6 Pieces of career advice to my younger self

Success: A Unique or Universal Formula?

James Anderson is a prolific fast bowler on England’s team. When asked in an interview about weight-lifting in his workout routine (to strengthen his bowling attack), his answer was swift.

He immediately debunked the suggestion that weight training was the prime fitness element required for bowling success.

He pointed out that while he does incorporate some lifting into his workout, it is not the core focus.

Each bowler has a different technique and approach to athleticism that contributes to their individual success. 

One need not look very far to validate his point than to the opposing West Indies team. To Rahkeem Cornwall.

Cornwall is of huge stature, certainly the largest man to play test cricket in recent history. He is also a strong bowler, with remarkable spinning ability – skills that landed him a place on regional team.

Winning big, he is.

Lessons from cricket #4

Winning looks different for each individual. The path that one person takes to crush their goals and achieve major successes, looks different for another.

Do not try to mimic another’s method. Instead, adopt a formula that matches to and maximises on your individual capabilities. 

What are your thoughts on turning to cricket for lessons in success? It certainly seems that many great lessons may be learnt from sport, if we stop and pay attention.

Behind every hand raised in victory is a brave story of some hardship endured. And in spite of that hardship, lies the resilience and drive to come out on top.