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The ODI World Cup 2023 has reached a fever pitch, with Team India set to face New Zealand in the highly anticipated semi-final clash at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. As the nation holds its breath in anticipation, Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, a maestro in handling pressure, has shared invaluable advice for the Men in Blue.
India’s unbeaten streak in the league stage and the challenge ahead
India’s journey through the league stage has been nothing short of spectacular, finishing at the top of the points table with an unbeaten streak of nine matches. Yet, the ghosts of past encounters with the Kiwis, particularly in the 2019 World Cup and the ICC World Test Championship final in 2021, loom large.
India’s Olympics gold-winning shooter Abhinav, who understands the nuances of performing under pressure, has now stepped in to offer his wisdom to the Men in Blue ahead of a high-stakes encounter.
Abhinav Bindra’s words of wisdom for Team India
An iconic figure in Indian sports, Abhinav, took to Twitter to address Team India, urging them to approach the semi-final with a mindset focused on the present moment. Drawing parallels with his own experiences, he emphasized the importance of not succumbing to the weight of past setbacks.
“As the boys in blue gear up for the semi-final, here’s my two cents on handling pressure – though not that they need any lessons on pressure, given their amazing performances so far. Remember, the present moment is like a perfect shot – it’s all you’ve got. Stay in it,” wrote Abhinav.
The ace shooter’s advice resonated with a call to embrace the pressure, a sentiment that aligns with his own journey to Olympic gold. Bindra’s unique perspective, grounded in his achievements, was aimed at serving as a source of inspiration for the Indian team, and he further also advised Rohit Sharma and Co. not to be afraid of the challenge.
“Your routine is your ritual – it’s what turns pressure into performance. Stick to it, but don’t be afraid to throw in a googly and adapt when the situation demands. Crisis? That’s just another word for ‘I’m about to make history’. So when the going gets tough, the tough don’t just get going, they dig deep and build a skyscraper right there,” the ace shooter added.
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Bindra concluded his message by highlighting that there is nothing that one can’t overcome or fix by adding a touch of poetic brilliance.
“Pressure is like your shadow in the afternoon sun – it might look big, but it’s not heavier than a cricket ball. Don’t run from it. Embrace it, high-five it, and you’ll learn to dance with it on the pitch. So go ahead, knock it out of the park, but remember, if you find yourself in a sticky wicket, there’s nothing that a deep breath and a calm head can’t fix. #StayPresent #DigDeep #EmbraceThePressure”
As the boys in blue gear up for the semi-final, here's my two cents on handling pressure – though not that they need any lessons on pressure, given their amazing performances so far.
Remember, the present moment is like a perfect shot – it's all you've got. Stay in it. Your…— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) November 13, 2023
As the nation rallies behind Team India in this crucial encounter, Abhinav’s words serve as a beacon of guidance, reminding the players to stay focused, adapt to the situation, and embrace the pressure that comes with the pursuit of glory.
