Leadership in Cricket: Lessons from Players

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

1

Staying Focussed

Being able to insulate yourself from your environment is vital for success, and Dhoni demonstrated this during the Champions Trophy when there was controversy over the Indian Premier League.

Picture Courtesy: economictimes

Ricky Ponting

2

Have a Clear Vision

Throughout his captaincy, Ponting always set clear goals for the team to achieve and laid out how it was to get there.

Picture Courtesy: Getty Images via thecricketmonthly

Graeme Smith

3

Lead Through Tough Times

Taking South Africa’s captaincy during tough times, Graeme Smith excelled both as a player and a leader during the 2003 English summer. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year the following spring.

Picture Courtesy: Nick Potts/PA via theguardian.com

Imran Khan 

4

Be an All-rounder

Imran Khan is a charismatic leader who combined all-around skills and integrity to take Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup.

Picture Courtesy: Getty Images via espncricinfo

Steve Waugh

5

Be Curious

Waugh, a believer in the virtues of getting out of your comfort zone, tries to learn from others. He immerses himself in the environment, accepts the situation for what it is, and then adjusts himself.

Picture Courtesy:  stevewaughfoundation.com.au

Sourav Ganguly

6

Adaptability

It is necessary to accept that everyone is different, and you cannot expect anyone to be like someone else. The most important thing is to become a better version of yourself to become successful.

Picture Courtesy:  stevewaughfoundation.com.au

Arjuna Ranatunga

7

Build on your strengths

If the trends are to be believed, teams that batted first had invariably emerged as the champions. However, Ranatunga knew that his team’s strength lay in chasing rather than defending scores. His decision to play to challenge the conventional approach led the team to its maiden World Cup victory.

Picture Courtesy:  icc-cricket.com

Stephen Fleming

8

Play in every Condition 

He was considered a great strategist who knew how to play the conditions. Fleming was the captain of a side that didn’t have many match-winners already. He created the moments out of those players who went on to become huge later, Mccullum and Vettori, to name a few.

Picture Courtesy:  thecricketmonthly.com

Virat Kohli

9

 Listen and Respond with Empathy

Empathizing when things get out of hand, supporting the team at every juncture, and making the most of the resources—these are some of the skills that every individual must learn

Picture Courtesy: Getty Images via espncricinfo.com

Do you aspire to be an effective leader like these amazing cricket players?

Then, do apply for the Future Leaders Programme by Asia’s No. 1 Business School