In a urbanized society and corporate world inundated with under-performers and non-performers, cover-ups and con-artists, Gautam Gambhir, one of Indian cricket’s most brilliant left-handed opening batsman with a great record and proven leadership skills ( having previously played for India with distinction and led KKR to lift the IPL trophy on two occasions) has done something rare and bold.
He has not only stepped down from the captaincy role of the Delhi Daredevils taking full responsibility for the poor show in the ongoing IPL 2018 ( at the bottom of the points table) and even confessed that with poor form and lack of credible performance he doesn’t deserve a place in the team, leave alone lead the side. Not only this, he has offered to forego his wages of Rs.2.80 Crs to the Franchisee owners. He feels it’s not well-earned,unjustified under the present circumstances. Having made these most exceptional appeals, he has magnanimously named his successor( young Shreyas Iyer) and agreed to play if the new captain selects him !
What now happens to the fortunes of the ‘Delhi Daredevils’ in this edition of IPL remains to be seen. However, Gambhir with his selfless act, has put some high benchmarks and exemplary lessons in probity, not only for others in cricket and international sports but in all walks of public life and specially in today’s corporate world and for those in positions of power, where accountability must come hand in hand with the heights of success and the fluctuating tides in leadership roles ! Some of these benchmarks are :
- The team and the cause is greater than the interests of the individual
- When you lead others, lead by example both as a performer and a person
- It is better to give way to a better alternative, if the present is not working
- Rewards are commensurate with results and cannot be taken as a ‘given’
- It is necessary to contribute to the team or cause in any position or capacity
This is not the first time that as an individual citizen, Gautam Gambhir, has done an extraordinary act worth emulating – be it in contributing for the welfare of families of slain soldiers or other noble causes and standing up for what is right ! To fans like me and many others, Gambhir, may not get to lead matches on the cricket field for some time but has emerged ‘Matchless’ for a long time to come –a real man with a heart thatthe over-hyped icons of today could well emulate.
Working on Living 