“Young cricketers reading this need to understand that most of the game takes place in your mind. You can spend hours and hours perfecting your technique at the nets, but no doors will open until you solve the problems in your head and handle the pressure. Don’t run away from difficult things. Heroes are made when you face an unpleasant situation head on. Have you ever heard of a hero who sits at home in the office late in the afternoon and walks home?”
This quote from former cricketer and ICC Men’s Cricket Committee Chairman Saurav Ganguly highlights how confidence and mindset are as important as cover units and yorkers.
Ganguly’s words ring true after India’s win against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match held in Colombo – which followed a dramatic turn of events in the past few weeks. On Sunday, cricketer Ishan Kishan played a high-quality 77 off 40 balls on a challenging surface to take India to 175 for seven. The total proved to be more than enough for Pakistan, who were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
The sheer intensity of the India-Pakistan encounter – the roaring crowd, the spotlight and the weight of expectation – could overwhelm even the most gifted players. Still, India’s composure and performance against such a backdrop reflected exactly what Ganguly suggested – the power of the mind game.
What does Ganguly’s quote mean
Physical preparation in every match is important – hours spent in the net, fitness exercises, tactical training, among other things. But without mental clarity and resilience, these efforts may not translate into results.
Saurav Ganguly encourages young cricketers to face pressure instead of fearing it, through his advice ‘Don’t run away from difficult things’. Big matches, hostile crowds, career setbacks – these are unpleasant situations. But heroes are not made in comfort. They are formed in moments of doubt, stress and adversity.
By asking whether anyone has heard of a hero who avoids challenges or lives a lazy life, Ganguly challenges complacency. Growth requires discomfort. Success requires facing “uncomfortable situations head on.”
Where does it come from?
Saurav Ganguly’s bit of advice for young cricketers appears in his autobiography, A Century Is Not Enough: My Roller Coaster Ride to Success. The book traces his journey from a talented youngster in Calcutta to one of India’s most influential cricket captains.
Ganguly’s own career has been defined by resilience. He faced selection setbacks, public criticism and was even dropped from the team at the peak of his career.
How to apply it today
Takeaway 1: Master your mind before mastering the game – technical skills are essential, but mental discipline unlocks true potential.
Takeaway 2: Pressure is part of progress – Instead of avoiding high-pressure situations, embrace them as opportunities for growth.
Takeaway 3: Heroes are formed when they step into difficult moments – not when they avoid difficult situations.
Takeaway 4: With Courage Comes Success – Running away from challenges stunts growth. Facing them can cause the tables to turn