Talent will take you to the summit but you need self-discipline and mental strength to stay on top.
Talent will take you to the summit but you need self-discipline and mental strength to stay on top. The story of two friends: one was first to summit but could not stay on top whilst the other reached later but stayed on top for long time.
This post is about Test cricket. Do not let fear of unknown dampen your curiosity, read on. Let serendipity work its magic.
The longest form of cricket is called "Test", it may last up to 5 days. It really does test your physical and mental ability.
Immensely talented Vinod Kambli scored back-to-back Test double century aged just 21 but his test career cricket ended at 24. In contrast, his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar scored more than 34,000 runs in his career spanning over 24 years.
It is widely believed that Vinod was more talented than Sachin, so what set Sachin apart?
Self-discipline and mental strength - story of 2003-2004 India-Australia series in Australia
Sachin was getting out caught behind the wickets driving outside the off stump in the first three test matches, Australians had an upper hand.
Before the start of 4th test at Sydney, Sachin publicly made a statement that he was not going to play cover drive.
For cricket novice, it is akin to dominant right hander declaring not to use right hand or right leg.
Australians were consistently bowling outside the off stump, he decided to leave all those balls. Ten hours later, Sachin remained not out 241 runs of 436 balls. Australians could not get him out, India eventually declared at 705/7.
Sachin found his form, remarkably true to his words - he never played cover drive even after scoring double century.
it takes immense mental strength to publicly declare before the match thereby holding himself publicly accountable.
I tip my hat to Little Master Sachin Tendulkar
Notes to self:
1. Do not let past success or experience cloud your thinking, every day is the first day of the rest of your life
2. Aim for 100% say-do ratio
Watch Australian legendary captain Steve Waugh narrate the story (Link in comments section), remarkably Steve was much less talented than his twin brother Mark but went on to accomplish much more because of his grit and mental strength.
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