A Captain's Knock

18th June, 1983

India faced Zimbabwe at Nevill Ground, Royal Tunbridge Wells  under overcast conditions. India won the toss, elected to bat and were tottering at 9/4 and then 17/5. As a teenager listening to BBC radio, I switched it off and went to sleep.I was hoping that the there will be a change of luck, after I wake up from slumber!! India went on to score 266/8 due to a magnificent knock from their Captain, Kapil Dev.He came back with a vengeance to remove the dangerous Duncan Fletcher( who also went on to coach the English Cricket team). India won the match by 31 runs but this match is best remembered for a Captains's knock. Arriving at 9/4, then 17/5 and 140/8, he crafted a 126 run partnership for the ninth wicket with Syed Kirmani, a record that stood for 27 years.Wisden recognised it as one of the top ten batting performances in 2002.Kapil's knock was laced with 16 boundaries and 6 sixes, and his 175 came of a mere 138 deliveries. An example of a courageous captain, leading by example and delivering when the chips are down!! No wonder, Kapil and team India went on to win the 1983 World Cup but a piece of history was scripted a few days earlier at Nevill ground.

2nd April 2011

MS Dhoni or Mahi has always attracted his share of critics due to his no nonsense approach towards the game. He comes from a humble background, has made a steady rise to the coveted post as Captain of team India, but has always believed in speaking his mind out and leading by example. After a disastrous 2007 WC campaign, India were tagged as favourites but hardly performed to justify their tag line in the league matches.

India won their knockout games against Australia(QF) and Pakistan(SF) to reach the final. The team has been relying heavily on Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj, Virat, Gautam to fire while Zaheer and Bhajji were were supposed to provide the crucial breakthroughs in the bowling department. The captain himself was not in prime form to add to the woes. Sri Lanka set a target of 275, mainly due to a brilliant century by Mahela Jayawardane(103 in 88 balls). India were struggling at 114/3 when the Captain Mahi walks out, with Sri Lankan spinners spewing fire. As usual eyebrows were raised on an out of form Captain walking ahead of Yuvi(Man of the tournament).And how he replied; 91 of 79 balls and hitting a huge six to finish the match in style. Truly a Captains's knock!!

If you are looking for leadership, mentorship, team building and example of what separates the men from the boys, do not look beyond the two shining examples of Indian Cricket. It's when the going gets tough, the tough gets going!!