JULY has been a pulsating month sporting wise!
It has seen the rise of the less fancied; in terms of Japan winning the Women’s Football World Cup, in absolutely rousing fashion. It has also seen the fall of the giants; as Brazil and Argentina were dumped out of the Copa America. July has witnessed the dismantling of the ‘invincible Phelps’ myth, and an Irish surge in the benign sport of golf. Ronjan Sodhi has also uncovered the promise, of India shooting for more gold at the London Olympics.
July also saw India travel to England, in an attempt to respond in cricketing terms; to what the East India Company had done several hundred years ago. But thus far, the tour has been massively disappointing for all Indian sporting fans.
However it has thrown up some interesting thought starters; pertinent not just to sports, but also to the arena of corporate thinking. And even as wickets tumble in a flurry of poor technique juxtaposed with good short pitched bowling, these are worth examining…
A test of things to come
Test cricket presents an entirely different context, to the limited over versions of the game. It calls upon a whole different set of skills and attitudes. And when confronted with a bowling unit willing to attack body and mind, on wickets and conditions which help a bit; it reformulates the equation between bat and ball.
Still trapped in the residual impact of the ‘batting paradises’ of the World Cup and the IPL, the Indian batting line up simply could not adjust to the seam and swing of English conditions. Perhaps they might over the next two tests; as all Indians would certainly hope for.
It is fascinating to note how different aspects come to the fore, when the context of a situation changes. Armies of yore took on different proportions when the terrain of warfare changed; some preferred the plains, whereas others were the lords of the high mountains.
Modern day corporate warriors face this challenge on a fairly frequent basis.
Changing socio cultural paradigms, often compel one to reconsider an approach, which was once deemed successful in a different context. Evolving audience mindsets and attitudes also ensure; that a brilliant past in the market, is in no way indicative of a rosy future.
Stuart is little no more
Perhaps the 20-20 version of cricket really exploded to life, courtesy one over in Johannesburg. Yuvraj Singh launched it into the public imagination, by smashing six balls from one bowler into the stands. That bowler was Stuart Broad.
Four years since that incident, Broad is now one of the game’s most exciting players. He has been instrumental in the English domination of the series, contributing significantly with both bat and ball
Here lies a true example of stirring character. Many would have crumbled under the ignominy of that event. But this Stuart was no mouse.
Life in an organization often exposes one to situations; where waking up that morning, simply seems to have been the wrong decision. But those who are able to shrug off the failure and disappointment, and be up for the next challenge again, are usually the ones who make it really far.
An ex colleague once said of Ted Turner, the legendary founder of CNN, that he used to bring ten new ideas to every meeting. And even if they were shot down, he would bring ten fresh ones the following day. Now that’s news.
Slipping into the conversation
Michael Vaughn raised a controversy; by alluding to Laxman using Vaseline, to get elude his snick from being registered by ‘hot spot’. While this was certainly an unnecessary, if not downrightly unfair and veiled accusation; this is not the first time that Vaseline has found itself amidst a cricketing issue.
Many moons ago, when England toured India in the mid seventies, John Lever was similarly charged with tampering the ball with Vaseline, to get it to swing even in unfriendly Indian conditions.
Both these incidents don’t do much for the spirit of the game; as celebrated in Dhoni’s now famous calling back of Bell. But they presented an opportunity for a brand (Vaseline) to make its way into conversations again.
Marketers spend millions trying to get audiences to talk about their offerings. But sometimes all it takes is one really lateral connection, to get tongues start wagging again. Perhaps this is an opportunity that Vaseline marketers should astutely exploit, before it will slip away again.
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As August dawns with the promise of the Premiership, the sporting fan will find yet another reason to stay glued to the television. But in watching matches change their course, and history being made on the field; one must never be oblivious to what other lessons these sporting stories might bring.
The writer is a creative thinking trainer and an independent brand consultant. He is the author of the book, ‘The Madness Starts at 9’ and also the patron saint of a footballing movement called Juhu Beach United, that celebrates, ‘the unfit, out of breath working professional of today’.
