Dr Harini Priyadharshini Muralidharan’s Post

Recently, the young dynamic and swashbuckling cricketer Sai Sudarshan visited me. Being a left hander myself, the affinity towards left handers is no surprise and so is my affinity towards Sai. His dedication to the sport and his composure under pressure has left me impressed multiple times. His work ethic is an example of something I always say: "Keep playing hard; opportunities will come. One day, it'll break open."  At 22, he has played 3 matches for India, showcasing undeniable talent, commitment and dedication. But it's his mental toughness that truly sets him apart. One specific moment that struck me was his performance in the IPL 2023 season against CSK. The pressure was immense. MS Dhoni, known for his masterful field placements, kept changing the fields. It takes keen observation skills to: 1. Handle stadium noise 2. Stay focused with everyone watching 3. Adapt to Dhoni's strategic changes 4. And bat effectively finding gaps in the field whenever Dhoni shifted positions. Despite all these, Sai displayed incredible focus, scoring a phenomenal 96 runs. For a young player, this ability is truly impressive. He also shared with me his secret mantra - "Cut the noise”, uncle. He said he was simply observing and adapting his strategy with every move. It reflected his mature approach. Gujarat Titans may not have won that match, but Sai's performance was a true inspiration. His dedication, focus, and strategic thinking are a testament to the bright future of Indian cricket. #SpecialNote #IndianCricket

🏏A Historic Triumph for Indian Cricket!🏏 After 11 long years, Team India has etched a monumental victory into the history books! This win stands as a testament to our players' relentless spirit, unwavering dedication, and exceptional skill. Saturday’s match kept us on the edge of our seats. With South Africa needing just 30 runs in 30 balls and India’s win probability at a mere 3%, our team defied all odds. They embodied #ViratKohli's inspiring words: "Success is about rising each time we fall." This victory transcends cricket; it’s a powerful metaphor for our professional and personal lives. Every challenge is a stepping stone for an even greater comeback. Sports remind us to maintain hope even in the darkest moments, proving that #HOPE is a powerful force that defies all odds. 🌟 More than that, sports instill in us the resilience to navigate tough situations. No matter the challenge, the lesson is clear: "TRUST YOUR SKILLS."🏅 We all face our own battles in careers, businesses, or relationships, and like Team India, we will emerge victorious. The beauty of time is its constant change, and with it, our fortunes. Let’s harness this victorious spirit in our careers and lives. With a bit of hope, we can conquer any challenge. This is the era of India and the realization of Indian dreams. We will win not just in cricket, but in every arena. Join us in celebrating this incredible win and let it fuel our drive to achieve greatness in all our pursuits. 🏆 #IndianCricket #Victory #Inspiration #ViratKohli #RiseAbove #TeamSpirit #Motivation #CelebrateVictory #IndiaWorldCup #CricketWorldCup #TeamIndia #BleedBlue #CricketSpirit #ProudMoment

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐠! Today, as we celebrate the birthday of one of India's most iconic cricketers, 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐠, let's revisit the traits that made him a legend on the field. Sehwag's fearless batting approach not only redefined the opening batting slot but also inspired generations of cricketers. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 Sehwag's batting was a perfect blend of talent, technique, and temperament. He never believed in playing it safe. Instead, he thrived on taking the game by the scruff of the neck, dismantling even the most potent bowling attacks with ease. His fearless approach was contagious, often putting the opposition on the back foot. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐠'𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝟏. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞: Sehwag's willingness to take risks and face challenges head-on is a valuable lesson for professionals in any field. 𝟐. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: His unorthodox shots and ability to find boundaries in unconventional areas are a testament to thinking outside the box. 𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Despite facing setbacks and criticisms, Sehwag consistently bounced back, demonstrating his mental toughness. 𝟒. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: His self-belief and conviction in his abilities are essential qualities for success in any endeavour. 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 Sehwag's approach extends beyond the cricket field, offering valuable insights for professionals: 𝟏. 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. 𝟐. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Encourage creative problem-solving and thinking differently. 𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Develop coping mechanisms to navigate setbacks and failures. 𝟒. 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟: Trust your abilities and judgment to make informed decisions. 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝 As we celebrate Sehwag's birthday, let's acknowledge his contributions to Indian cricket and the lessons his career offers us. His fearless batting has inspired countless fans and cricketers, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐠 - 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! Share your favourite Sehwag moments and lessons you've drawn from his career in the comments! #VirenderSehwag #HappyBirthday #FearlessBatting #CricketLegend #Inspiration #LessonsFromSports #Resilience #Innovation #SelfBelief #MKM18

Asian Paints Launches Cricket Scholarship Program with Virat Kohli powered by NeoBharat!! Asian Paints has launched a new initiative called the "Cricket Scholarship powered by Neo Bharat" to support budding cricketers in India. -Target Age Group: 5- to 14-year-olds -Scholarship Amount: Rs 2 lakhs each for 100 promising youngsters -Selection Criteria: Skills demonstrated in a professional playing setup, evaluated by ex-cricketers. This program aligns with Asian Paints' motto of "Har Ghar Khelega, Har Ghar Khilega" (Let every household play) and aims to empower young talent, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 markets. Virat Kohli, the brand ambassador, features in a new ad campaign that showcases the scholarship's potential to transform lives and nurture future cricket stars. This initiative reflects Asian Paints' commitment to social responsibility and creating a positive impact on communities. #Asianpaints #asianpaints #collaboration #company #trend #markets #cricket #viratkholi #NeoBharat #posts

🏏 India’s First-Ever Home Whitewash: A Lesson in Resilience and Focus As a lifelong Indian Cricket Team fan, this series loss to New Zealand is tough to accept. For the first time in history, India has been whitewashed in a home Test series of three or more matches. A relatively inexperienced New Zealand side achieved what no other team has managed on Indian soil, showcasing sheer resilience and adaptability. This defeat wasn’t against the best England or Australia teams we’ve faced before but a New Zealand squad missing key players and led by a new captain. Losing with a target of only 150 in the final match should be a wake-up call for Indian cricket—highlighting that consistent performance, not experimentation, is key, especially in challenging areas like spin batting. The bigger takeaway? In both sports and life, reputation alone doesn’t secure success. Every challenge deserves our full commitment, as success is earned anew with every step. Let’s rally behind Team India, hoping they rise stronger, wiser, and more focused. #IndiaVsNewZealand #Cricket #Resilience #LifeLessons #TeamIndia

What a thrilling match it has been! Team India has showcased its dominance by beating Bangladesh by 7 wickets! This victory not only clinches the series at 2-0 but also reflects the powerful mindset of our players, who are on a remarkable journey in the world of cricket. In today’s game, it’s clear that Team India doesn't merely adapt to the opposing team but plays according to the nuances of the format and the conditions at hand. Their extraordinary passion and commitment have paved the way for incredible triumphs. This is more than just another victory; it's a testament to their unwavering spirit and dedication. 💪 What makes this achievement even more impressive is the resilience displayed by the team. After enduring three days of interruptions due to stadium issues, our players stepped onto the field with an unshakeable determination. Amidst all the uncertainties, they showcased their character and skill, proving that if you set your mind on achieving success, nothing can stand in your way! It's a remarkable reminder that in cricket—and in life—being brave and fearless is what sets the winners apart. Timid approaches won't yield results anymore; we need that fire, that drive! The competition is tougher than ever, but with the spirit and tenacity that Team India has shown, we can always hope for glory. So, let’s keep our heads high and continue supporting our boys in blue as they chase even bigger dreams ahead. Together, we can celebrate every wicket, every run, and every victory. Keep believing, keep cheering, and let's ride this wave of momentum! 🌊💙 #INDvBAN #TeamIndia #Cricket #Victory #Unstoppable #Champions #PassionForTheGame #FearlessIndia #ChasingGreatness #TogetherWeWin

India’s Cricket Triumph: A Nation Celebrates India’s recent cricket victory is a proud moment for the entire nation, showcasing talent and determination. 👉 Unity and Pride: The win brought people together, celebrating as one big family. 👉 Youth Inspiration: The victory inspires young athletes to dream and work hard. 👉 Economic Impact: Cricket-related businesses and sponsors see a boost. 👉 Showcase of Talent: It highlights India’s strength in sports globally. 👉 Positive Energy: The win uplifts spirits and spreads happiness nationwide. Cricket continues to be a source of joy and national pride for India.

#CelebratingTheUnsungHeroes Raghavendra Dwivedi's Journey from Graveyard to Glory In the grand arena of sports, we often celebrate the players on the field, but behind every victory lies the relentless effort of those working quietly in the background. One such unsung hero is Raghavendra Dwivedi, better known as Raghu, Team India's throwdown specialist. From humble beginnings in Kumta, Karnataka, Raghu's journey is a tale of resilience and passion. At a young age, he left home with just 21 rupees in his pocket, driven by a dream to make it big in cricket. Despite facing numerous challenges, including living in a graveyard for four and a half years, Raghu's determination never wavered. After a hand injury ended his playing career, Raghu transitioned to coaching. His dedication and unique skills in delivering high-speed throwdowns quickly caught the attention of cricketing greats. Former Indian coach John Wright and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar recognized his talent, leading to his inclusion in the Indian team's support staff in 2011. Virat Kohli, one of India's most prolific batsmen, once said, "Facing Raghu's 150 kph deliveries in the nets makes the fastest bowlers seem like medium pacers during matches." Such testimonials highlight the significant impact Raghu has had on the team's success, often working behind the scenes without much recognition. It is very nice of big stars like Virat, Rahul Dravid, Rohit, and others to recognize the contributions of these unsung heroes. Raghu's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of those who support and elevate the team from the background. His journey from a small town in Karnataka to becoming a crucial part of India's cricketing success is nothing short of inspiring. There are other support staff too who help India to be a potent force in world cricket, and I may write about them later. Do we know the background heroes who make us look good on the big stage in whatever we are doing & do we recognize them enough & include them in our winning endeavors? #Cricket #Inspiration #TeamWork #UnsungHeroes #Dedication #Sportsmanship #IndianCricket

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀? It’s because cricket has the unique ability to bring us together, no matter our differences. In a country as diverse as India, where we are often defined by our backgrounds, castes, religions, and regions, cricket offers a rare space where these differences fade away. Have you ever noticed how we all come together as just “Indians” when we win the World Cup? Recently, when India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, we saw people across the country celebrating together. From the crowded streets of Mumbai to small villages in Kerala, people were dancing, bursting firecrackers, and sharing sweets with strangers. In Delhi, you could hear chants of “India! India!” echoing through the night, and in Kolkata, the lights on Howrah Bridge lit up in celebration. It didn’t matter where people came from or what their religion or caste was—everyone was united in their love for the game and the pride of being Indian. The reason cricket cuts across all these divides is rooted in its merit-based nature. On the cricket field, the only things that matter are talent, hard work, and passion. It’s a level playing field where success isn’t determined by where you come from but by what you bring to the game. This is why cricket resonates so deeply with us—it embodies the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can rise to the top through sheer effort and dedication. This meritocracy is why we’ve seen captains from all walks of life lead our teams, each bringing their own story yet united by a common purpose. It’s this inclusivity and openness that have made cricket not just a sport but an unofficial religion in India. Image Credits: Ujwal Puri @ompsyram #cricketunitesindia #cricket #sport #cricketspirit #indiancricketpride

Who Should Take Over As The Indian Head Coach? *My Thoughts 👇 There are a few names floating around as the possible candidate for the Team India Head Coach position. Top of the list is Stephen Fleming who has had phenomenal success in the IPL, then Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting (both legends with remarkable playing experience). Names you can never discount in the cricket coaching world: - Gary Kirsten (returning after a successful World Cup Win in 2011), - Anil Kumble for a second stint (though I doubt it), - Mickey Arthur (I am sure he would thrown his name in the hat), - Mahela Jayawardena and - Mike Hesson (two options who have been around in the IPL but have not really done enough to stand out). The two names Indian names that stand out are Gautam Gambir and VVS Laxman. Whilst these names are not spoken off with that same gravitas as the others, they should not discounted at all. The question that I am pondering: After a successful stint with a Indian Coach (Rahul Dravid), why would India take a step back to a foreigner again, especially since none of the international options are head and shoulders above the Indian options. Maybe the exception is Stephen Fleming who has earned the right to be considered above all. As I reflect on the names, I think the two options that stand out for me and for different reasons are: 1. Fleming: Experience in managing both very senior players and grooming youngsters in the same ecosystem. 2. VVS Laxman: He has been head of the NCA for a long time. As India transitions into a new era, Laxman could bring comfort and psychological safety to the new batch of rising talent that will become India's backbone for the next decade. He has also been at the forefront of technology and innovation which is going to be critical to sustain performance in the next decade. What are your thoughts? Who should take over at the helm of Indian Cricket? #cricket #teamindia #ipl #cricketworldcup #coach #headcoach