Sometimes you win, Sometimes you learn

Leadership is pervasive, from the boardroom to the battlefield and the nations favourite sporting arena – a cricket pitch! 🏏 But really, who doesnt throws curveballs (or should I say bouncers?) or any leadership for that matter.

Here are 5 takes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on why this syncs in regular life !

1. The Captaincy Carousel: ‘Dhoni vs. Kohli’ Dilemma

Cricket teaches us one vital lesson: No matter how hard you try, you'll never make everyone happy. If you're leading a team like the Indian cricket team, expect comparisons to be your constant companion.

Remember when people debated endlessly about who’s the better captain—MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli? You know you’ve achieved true leadership when your subordinates are passionately critiquing your style at every chai break. Dhoni, the cool cucumber, and Kohli, the aggressive tiger.

💡Lesson: Leadership isn't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes you need to be the zen master like Dhoni—calm in the chaos. Other times, you've got to be Kohli and light a fire under your team to get them moving. Pick your leadership style like you’d pick your Powerplay strategy—based on the opponent and the situation!

2. IPL Auctions: The "Choose Your Battles" Principle

Ever seen an IPL auction? It’s like a leadership nightmare wrapped in a goldmine of opportunity. Players are bidded on as if they're tech startups, while captains and coaches sit on the sidelines, sweating over their next recruit.

Will this player fit our culture? Is he worth the money? Can I even pronounce his name? Leaders are always making tough decisions. But in the IPL, sometimes you also have to deal with decisions like "Chris Gayle or the budget to feed the entire team for a month?"

💡Lesson: A great leader knows how to pick battles. Sometimes, the biggest star isn’t the best fit for your culture (or your wallet). Don’t get dazzled by the highest price tag—invest in the talent that aligns with your vision and is ready to deliver on the ground.

3. The Rohit Sharma IPL Effect: ‘Why Not Now?’

Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians have dominated the IPL, winning the title five times. And while everyone was still wondering, “Is he captain material?”—Rohit quietly let his trophies do the talking. This leadership philosophy has a simple mantra: Talk less, perform more.

💡Lesson: In leadership, nothing beats results. You can make the loudest speeches or the most inspirational PowerPoints, but at the end of the day, it’s your performance that wins people over. Focus on delivering results, and you’ll earn more respect than you ever will through words.

4. The Rahane Example: Leading Without a Title

When India’s regular captain Virat Kohli flew back after the first Test in Australia (2020), leaving the team in shambles, everyone thought we were done for. Then came Ajinkya Rahane, who not only led the team to a famous series victory but did it with a calmness that made Dhoni look hyperactive.

He wasn’t the official leader, but he still led with grace. The team rallied behind him.

💡Lesson: You don’t need a title to lead. Sometimes the best leadership happens when you're the second-in-command. By fostering trust, building relationships, and staying calm under pressure, you can influence your team even when the spotlight isn’t on you.

5. The T20 Mentality: Keep the Momentum Going

T20 cricket is chaos personified, just like that Q4 deadline at work when all the projects land at once. There’s no time for long, strategic plays. You’re in survival mode, making fast decisions, calculating the risks, and occasionally taking a wild swing.

💡Lesson: When things move fast, focus on short-term wins to maintain momentum. Sometimes, survival is about adjusting quickly and scoring in bursts, rather than waiting for the perfect moment that may never come.

Conclusion: Leadership is Like Cricket—Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn

Whether you’re Dhoni walking coolly to the pitch, Kohli charging downfield with aggression, or Rahane quietly leading from the shadows, there’s one common thread. Leadership isn’t about always being the star—it’s about understanding the game, adapting to the situation, and empowering your team to win, no matter the odds.

And if all else fails, just remember—there’s always another IPL auction to regroup for next year.

So, next time you're about to pull your hair out in a meeting, just think of yourself as the captain of a cricket team. You've got this, even if it feels like you're chasing 350 in 50 overs with no Dhoni in sight!