Cricket and the Bhagvad Gita

“I guess they just flattered to deceive… ” this might well be the common sentiment coursing through the common Indian cricket fan! After a scintillating performance through the World Cricket Cup 2019, to virtually deflate in the semi Finals, to the chagrin of a billion people (there are a few million in India who do not follow cricket).

Well, the solace one could derive is that the BCCI (yes, its a corporate entity) team is looking good, looking like real athletes, and performing on all engines. The responsibility of failing to bring back the Cup can be put at the doorstep of luck, the weather, strategy hiccups and whatever suits you!

However, for any true blue cricket maniac, all could be forgiven, given the nail biting finish that was witnessed on Sunday night 14 July 2019.

New Zealand and England fought it out, in the true spirit of cricket, with dogged perseverance , exemplary fielding, great team spirit, and gutsy strength of temperament! In the end, it was nothing but sheer luck that yanked away the Cup from the Kiwis! This match indeed will be firmly etched in many memories, there will certainly be no acrimonious recriminations, there will be a bit of sadness undoubtedly, however there will be a feel good factor at play for sure.

Two evenly balanced teams, highly professional in their approach, skilled in their strategem, joisting for the Cup in the hallowed grounds of cricket, in an equipoised match that was intensely engaging till the very end.

Giving it their best! Yes, thats the message that I hope that young folks across the world can take home. Give Life your best, and dont worry about the outcome!

According to the Bhagavad Gita, one may practice and incorporate in one’s life, the concept “Nishkam karma,” or action without desire. To put it simply, if one is not attached to the consequences of one’s actions, then one will gradually and ultimately free oneself from the bondage of karma. 

Meaning that the New Zealand – England final of the Cricket World Cup 2019, illustrated perfectly the concept of Nishkam Karma…… irrespective of what was eventually the outcome, both the teams gave their best, you could see it in each and every moment of the game….they were playing from the core of their beings, and yet behaving with dignity and decorum towards each other.

कर्मण्ये वाधिका रस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। 
मा कर्म फल हेतु र्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्व कर्मणि॥

Karmanye vadhika raste, Ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karma phala he tur bhuh, ma te sangotsva karmanye

Do your best , each and every moment of the day , on each and every day of your life. Dont think of the fruits of your efforts…. dont even be concerned about this at all!