Comments from star performers can be a learning curve for teams and budding cricketers

 By K.R. Nayar

We always have the Man of the match and star performers speak about their show after every match. Listening to them can be a learning curve since their remarks are based on the effort they have put in to be successful. A careful observation of their remarks reveals there is a lot to learn from them not only for every player in the IPL but also for cricket fans and budding cricketers.

Sunil Narine with the Man of the Match award in front of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium dressing room. Photo: KKR Twitter 

In the Indian Premier League matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (September 28, 2021), there were two star performers.  At Sharjah, in the Kolkata Knight Riders versus Delhi Capitals match, it was Kolkata’s Sunil Narine who emerged as the Man of the match through an all-round show while in Abu Dhabi it was Mumbai Indians Kieron Pollard who bagged the honour.

In both these matches, it was the West Indies players, and it is a known fact that they play cricket to enjoy their day and to entertain fans.

Non-expressive Sunil Narine and his ways

Those who have watched Sunil Narine bowl or bat may wonder how can he be so calm and non-expressive when reaping success. We have seen bowlers run around the stadium in joy after taking a wicket. A few bowlers even jump on to the first person who comes to appreciate him. In the case of Narine, teammates should consider themselves lucky if he responds with a smile at being applauded.
Narine had to change his bowling action after undergoing corrective methods for bending his arm. He candidly admits that it wasn’t easy for him. After bagging the Man of the match against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (September 23, 2021), he had said: “It has taken me a while with this new action and I have put in a lot of work into it.” After Tuesday’s performance, he said: “I try to be on top of the batters as much as possible as you can. I have been through a lot.”
In the IPL, he has been among the runs too. He has a simple answer to that too. On Thursday, he said” “My batting depends on what my team requires. If they want to go at the top or at the end, I'll do it.” On Tuesday he said: “It is a bit challenging, batting in the middle-order. Any situation that I am given, I just like to make the best use of it and hopefully, it can come out more often.” 
There are two aspects to Narine’s remarks. One is to never give up and adapt to get better. Second is his focus on scoring runs as per the requirement of the team. His aim is to keep giving his best in whichever role he has to play.

Pollard’s approach for 300 wickets

Kieron Pollard bagged his 300^th wicket in T20 cricket. When asked about this landmark, his remark was very poignant. “I admit that I don't have pace, swing, and seam; but I can use my brain and get the job done.” We have seen many fast bowlers give up stating that they don’t have the strength or the skills in them to be successful. Pollard's remark about using his brain to be successful was impressive. He also gracefully admitted that his 300^th wicket is a landmark and very special. 

Kieron Pollard's inspiring comment. Photo: Mumbai Indians Twitter 

On Tuesday, when he played the big shots against Punjab Kings, the giant scoreboard said 'K-iron Pollard'.  His ability to hit big shots has got him nicknames such as ‘The beast’ and ‘The destroyer’.  When he was asked about how he plays those shots, he said: “It's all about practising and batting according to the situation.”

Two aspects come out from these two players. They practice hard, remain humble, and are focused. They play according to the need of the team, and most importantly, enjoy their day out in the middle.