On the sidelines of a World Cup event, a former India cricketer turned broadcaster had an off-the-field encounter with Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain. The broadcast veteran expected poise from the skipper; however, what truly resonated was Rohit’s profound insight into his teammates’ psyche, their playing strategies, and even their personal lives away from the pitch.
Rohit’s tenure as captain has been distinguished by a unique ability to instill calm among his ranks. His leadership, never overbearing, always approachable, has made him the classic “3 am captain”—the leader you turn to in times of crisis.
When injuries and mental strife besieged the Indian cricket team, it was captain Rohit Sharma who steadied the ship. Players like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav found their zenith during India’s remarkable winning streak, thanks in no small part to Rohit’s compassionate leadership.
Coaching them through this journey was Rahul Dravid, a former captain who knows all too well the pitfalls of authoritative leadership, having encountered the tough-love approach of Greg Chappell. Dravid’s experience has taught him the sensitivity required in dealing with young, impressionable sportsmen, especially when coping with setbacks.
This empathy was demonstrated when Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik reminisced on a shared flight with Under-19 teams, where Dravid waited patiently for him to wake before engaging in a conversation meant to yield learnings for the young Indian cricketers.
Rohit and Dravid may vary considerably in their batting styles but their compassionate approach to leadership is parallel. Overshadowed in their prime by contemporaries—Tendulkar and Kohli—they earned names rooted in reliability rather than regality: Mr. Dependable and Hit-Man.
Their own unrealized World Cup dreams have equipped them with a deeper understanding of their players’ aspirations and disappointments.
Stressing Rohit’s approachability, one could look at an Instagram interaction with Shami during the pandemic lockdown. What began as a casual conversation between teammates quickly turned into a heartfelt exchange, with Shami laying bare the dark thoughts that haunted him during the most challenging period of his career, including thoughts of suicide. Rohit, surprised but sensitive, did not pry, instead, steering the conversation elsewhere upon realizing Shami’s discomfort.
Shreyas Iyer, too, has faced his trials, openly expressing his mental fatigue and the persistent pressure of an unrelenting cricketing calendar. Under Rohit and Dravid’s tutelage, Shreyas was reassured of his worth, supported despite his pre-World Cup injuries and doubts over his fitness and temperament.
KL Rahul’s tale is not much different, with his temporary dip in form being a subject for online mockery. Nevertheless, within the team, his value remained unquestioned. He was their versatile asset, assuming multiple roles with unwavering support from the team management.
Jasprit Bumrah’s battle with injuries and vile online trolling found a safe harbor in the thoughtful management of the leadership, ensuring his return to the pitch was in optimal spirits.
Kuldeep Yadav’s journey took an upward swing in this conducive environment. After a period of underconfidence exacerbated by off-field rumors, this World Cup saw him emerge triumphantly, his credibility as a top white-ball spinner restored.
In an environment as competitive as Indian cricket, where many vie for each spot on the team, players benefit greatly from a captain who empathizes based on personal adversities. Could a single loss, after a streak of 10 victories, really undermine the reconstructed spirit of leadership and team culture?
The World Cup unfolded with India fielding a well-prepared team, each member aware of and equipped for their role. Despite the whisperings of uncertainty over Rohit’s future as a captain in the IPL, where business interests often collide with sports, the larger narrative for the national team is clear.
India, wounded yet resilient, is on the brink of a new era and needs leadership that extends beyond the field, that empathizes in the dead of night. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid represent such leadership and stand as the guides that India rightfully deserves to continue on this path.