What are the qualities of super players in cricket?
What it takes to be a super talented player in cricket? Everyone who is playing at international level of cricket is surely a supremely talented cricketer and there is no doubt about it. However, there are lot of other factors that contribute to the definition of super players of cricket.
Super players in cricket possess a combination of exceptional skills, mental toughness, and qualities that set them apart from the rest. Here are some of the key qualities that define a super player in cricket:
Consistency
Super players consistently perform at a high level in various conditions and formats of the game. The consistency is a big factor that seperates the best from the good list of players. Look at the consistency of Virat Kohli, he is called super Virat for a definite reason.
Super players are reliable contributors to their team’s success over an extended period and that’s why they are are looked up with hope when the team finds itself in a precarious situation.
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Technical Proficiency
A strong foundation in cricketing techniques is crucial. Super players have excellent batting, bowling, or fielding skills and continually work to refine and adapt them. We have heard a lot of times about a player being technically sound. It actually means that a player’s technical acuity is at finest. Tecnical proficiency is consist of five qualities:
- Playing orthodox and cultured shots with absolute fineness.
- Ability to time the ball supremely.
- Exemplary batting stances and flawless movement.
- Impeccable footwork, judging the ball on its merit.
- An intuitive memory for shot selection.
Adaptability
Super players can adapt to different formats of the game, pitches, and oppositions. They adjust their strategies and techniques to excel in various situations. The other side of adaptability reflects challenges for a player and only those who overcome it, are elevated to the standard of super players.
Mental Toughness
Super players possess a strong mental game. They remain composed under pressure, make crucial decisions, and bounce back from failures. International game is not an easy going circuit, a lot of times, your back will be up against the wall.
Take the example of Sachin Tendulkar who scored 241 runs without playing a single shot through overs because the shot had bothered him before and resulted in his dismissal. Mental toughness can the difference between an underachiver and a successful player.
Leadership
It is said in cricket that every player is his own leader in exact moment of the game. That’s why this is an intrinsic quality of super players to exhibit leadership qualities, whether they are captains or senior players who lead by example on and off the field.
Only when a player has become his own leader, he can adeptly lead others. Look at Graeme Smith, MS Dhoni and Ricky Ponting, all excelled in leadership because they were exceptionally discipline leader to themselves first.
Work Ethic
The difference between super players and auxiliary ones vividly comes out in their work ethics. Super players in cricket have an unwavering commitment to their craft. Super players put in the hard work during training and continuously seek ways to improve.
The better word doesn’t exist in their dictionary, only best which they strive for. Even at 34, Virat has more astounding work ethic than some youngesters who are talented but lack devotion to the game.
Innovative Thinking
Super players are often innovators. They introduce new shots, deliveries, or fielding techniques, revolutionizing the game. They just want to contribute to the team’s and if they are innovative, they will definitely do so.
Innovation doesn’t mean deviation from what os basic but slight adjustments that give positive results. Players like Sir Vivian Richards and AB de Villiers were innovaters, they added new never-seen-before things to cricket.
Game Awareness
They have an excellent understanding of the game’s dynamics. They read the situation well and make strategic decisions that benefit their team. Adding to that, they also spread game awareness.
It is all about picking nerves. A game is always free flowing, whoever has control over it for long enough time, takes home the victory. Especially in modern game settings, a slight miscalculation and whim off game awareness can lead to bad results.
Fitness
Maintaining peak physical fitness is vital. Super players have the stamina and agility required to excel in all aspects of the game and inspire others to do so. Nobody likes grinding on regular basis but the harsh truth is that’s how you move ahead in the game.
Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Jonty Rhodes; there are many such players who understand the role of fitness in cricket and decisively use it to their own advantage. Fitness brings longevity to a player’s life.
Fan Appeal
They have a charismatic and fan-friendly personality, which endears them to cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Wherever they go, inspired fans, who idolize them, wants to meet their heroes. Fans are breathing organ of cricket and its super players who shine bright like stars.
Every super player is involved in one or another way to be in constant engagement with his fans. True fans always hold your back and sometimes their voices work like a spiritual strength for players.
Inspiration
Super players inspire the next generation of cricketers, serving as role models for aspiring talent. This is continuoum of cricket legacy that some players become an inspiration for others.
Look at someone like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. There 1983 World Cup win inspired the next generations which saw great players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly.
It is clear that there is no single formula for becoming a super player in cricket. However, the qualities listed above are essential for any player who wants to reach the top of the game.
Consistency, technical proficiency, adaptability, mental toughness, leadership, work ethic, innovative thinking, game awareness, fitness, fan appeal, and inspiration are all key ingredients in the recipe for success.
While some players may be naturally talented, it is important to remember that hard work and dedication are essential for achieving greatness. Super players are not born, they are made. They are the ones who put in the extra hours, who are constantly striving to improve, and who never give up on their dreams.
