Commentary 6 - The Power of India

 

THE POWER OF INDIA

(Thoughtpiece prepared for an International Zoom Presentation by Warren Maloney on 19 January 2021)



Yesterday, India achieved the unbelievable dream of beating Australia in Australia for the 2nd time in India's Cricket History. They won the 4 Test series (2-1) despite suffering injuries to 8 of their 11 players from the first test, despite having to choose young men with almost no Test experience, and despite playing against Australia's world leading bowling lineup. India with this win are now the No 1 Test Cricket Country in the World - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-australia/india-claim-top-spot-in-world-test-championship-table-after-historic-win-at-the-gabba/articleshow/80345334.cms

Why is that important or relevant?

50 years ago, India was a minnow in performance as a Cricketing Nation, despite Cricket being one of the 2 National games (field hockey is the other). But India turned to its strengths and planned and changed. It imported the best coaches. It invested heavily in stadium infrastructure. It moved its capitalists onto National and International cricket boards. It negotiated as hard as it could on fixtures, rules, timing Internationally. It created a National pride for its Champions. Today, if you visit india, there are 5 TV stations broadcasting non-stop cricket (24/7). Their stadiums are second only to Australia. Every person at every economic level is addicted to the game. And they are producing generation after generation of great players. They changed the game with not only the major impact on Tests (a 5 day game) but the development of a 3 hours version (T20) which has swept the World. 

Why do you need to know that? Well because this India, this amazing 1.2billion people, achieved that through capitalism not government, through intense planning and delivery not opportunity, through business control ofd a World sport, through ruthless determination, and through playing a Sport. 

Is there a blueprint there? If so, the world needs to understand the power that lies in this India when it plays on its own terms to win!


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