The 2024 Men’s Cricket World Cup ended last night and left some great philosophical lessons for all of us. First and foremost, all the teams did a fantabulous job and tried their best to reach a significant spot. The most surprising moment was the performance of the USA and Afghanistan Cricket teams who performed well in the entire tournament. The USA Cricket team automatically qualified for the next T20 World Cup and their confidence was boosted.But what was the most nostalgic moment in this tournament?
I vividly remember the first T20 World Cup in 2007 when MS Dhoni and his team performed outstandingly and brought the cup home from South Africa. That was a different feeling as we the kids of the 90’snever witnessed India winning the World Cup. An era of cool and calmness in the Indian Cricket Team began after that tournament. Last night, the same feeling was aroused as it was a neck-to-neck contest between India and South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup. The final match not only gave us nostalgic feelings but also left some philosophical lessons for all of us. What are those lessons? How does Cricket matchconnect us with the philosophical viewpoints and lessons?
When South Africa seemed poised for victory, the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen turned the tide dramatically. Rohit Sharma trusted one of the main bowlers Hardik Pandya who got the important wicket at a crucial stage. This moment was not only a game-changer but also an extremely subtle metaphor for how a single event can change our destinies. Working smart, and using the appropriate methods, and key tools at the right time shape our future. Heinrich Klaasen’s effort for his team exemplified the importance of having confidence and strong nerves amidst pressure situations. However, it also highlights that some crucial moments demand persistence, and an extra push, and success often hinges on our ability to muster that final burst of effort.
I hope you remember a small break in the match which was taken due to a brief injury of Rishabh Pant. While seemingly a setback, it became a catalyst for a remarkable turn of events. That small break broke the momentum for Heinrich Klaasen. He got caught in the next ball. This provides us with two important lessons. One is that the trials of life demand our steadfast focus, even when positive momentum wanes. These moments of testing are not mere hindrances but opportunities to deepen our resolve. Second is that a brief pause, though unexpected, often provides the clarity needed to push forward with renewed vigor. Accepting setbacks as catalysts for growth reveals the deep wisdom hidden in life’s challenges. In this light, adversity becomes a teacher, guiding us towards fortitude.
A few months ago, there were debates on whether Rohit Sharma should remain a captain or not. Once overlooked as captain of the Mumbai Indians in IPL, today he rose to become the winning captain of the Indian Cricket Team in the toughest event. His story teaches us that true knowledge and excellence lie in determination, self-belief, and relentless pursuit of our goals, regardless of what others say, regardless of external judgments, regardless of what others feel about us negatively, and regardless of how others understand us. I clearly remember when Greg Chappel was the coach of the Indian Cricket Team, and he ousted Sourav Ganguly from the captainship.
Later Dada emerged victorious. He was the only batter who scored back-to-back50s in the ICC World Cup 2007. This comeback is known as, “Indian Cricket’s biggest comeback.” He gave a different dimension to the Indian Cricket Team and taught his team how to win matches outside India in overseas conditions. In one of his advertisements during his struggle, he mentioned, “Wakt wapas nahin aata, wakt ko wapas lana padta hai,” which means “Time doesn’t come back, time has to be brought back.” Rohit Sharma epitomized this kind of determination and perseverance.
It has been rightly said that “catches win matches”, Surya Kumar Yadav’s catch was a pivotal moment, illustrating the essence of composure under pressure. In a high stakes’ environment, his capability to hold his nerves of steel and execute a crucial catch on the boundary line turned the momentum in India’s favor. This act symbolizes the importance of staying focused and poised when it matters the most, reminding us of that calmness in chaos often leads to victory.
In this narrative of perseverance, Rahul Dravid’s role as a coach of the Indian Cricket Team adds another layer of philosophical depth. He is revered for his calm demeanor during his playing days. That steadfast and calm dedication has seamlessly transitioned into a guiding light for the next generation. His coaching skills and presence serve as a reminder that true leadership is about nurturing potential and inspiring greatness in others.
Now you must be thinking of why I am linking a game of Cricket with life. Is success only important? What about people who lose? Don’t they get success later? Life, much like cricket, is a game of uncertainties where knowing our existence, having faith in Allah (SWT), our purpose, our role, self-belief, determination, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit define our ultimate triumphs. Just like in life, Cricket teaches us that success and failure are both part of the game. In a cricket match, luck can favor one team dramatically with a single over or delivery, just as in life, where unexpected events can change our paths in an instant.
Players who find it difficult to win still strive for victory until the last ball. In life, we must strive for victory until the last breath. There was a time when Ben Stokes failed to stop Brathwaite from scoring 24 runs in his last over. But he failed because Carlos Brathwaite hit four successive sixes to finish off the England Cricket Team in the final over of the ICC World T20 final in 2016.
Ben Stokes took that failure as a lesson and now he is one of the great players in the International Cricket arena. We should not lose hope too but instead work collaboratively under mutual support which leads to greater achievements than individual efforts alone. We will experience highs and lows in life and that is certain. However, through mutual support, smart work, teamwork, and the enduring pursuit of excellence, we can shape our experiences and define our character. Setbacks are inevitable but overcoming them is crucial to eventual success.
Towards the finale, I leave one quote here that concretely and meticulously defines the above;
“The successful person is one who has faith in Allah, has Taqwa, practices Sabar (patience), possesses self-belief, and turns failure into an experience and that experience into triumphs.”
(The author is an RK columnist. He is studying Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism and Mass Communication from IUST, Awantipora. He can be reached at: [email protected])
