India’s recent tour of Australia ended in a 5‑0 whitewash, a result that rattled fans, pundits and the team alike. The loss came after a series of setbacks – shaky starts, inconsistent batting, and a bowling attack that struggled to contain the Australian line‑up. In the wake of this outcome, captain Ajinkya Rahane stepped onto the pitch, addressed the media, and urged his teammates to “follow the process.” The message struck a chord, not just because of its timing, but because it reflects a philosophy that has guided Indian cricket for years.
Rahane’s composure in the face of defeat is a hallmark of his leadership. He acknowledged the disappointment but steered the conversation away from blame and toward improvement. “We can’t fix everything in a single match,” he said. “What matters is that we go back to the work we’ve been doing and keep doing it.” The captain’s words carried weight because of his track record – he has led the team in both Test and ODI formats, and his approach has always been rooted in process rather than outcome.
In cricket, “process” refers to the daily habits, drills, and mental routines that shape performance. It’s about the small, repeatable actions: warming up correctly, reviewing a bowler’s action, setting a field plan, and maintaining focus during a 20‑over stint. By concentrating on these elements, players build confidence and resilience. When Rahul talks about process, he is encouraging the team to return to these fundamentals – the ones that have produced success in the past.
India’s 2019 World Cup campaign offers a clear illustration of the power of process. The team’s early exit was a wake‑up call that led to a shift in mindset. Players began to break down matches into manageable chunks, focusing on individual responsibilities rather than the final score. The result was a more disciplined side that ultimately won the tournament. That experience shows that a process‑first mindset can convert disappointment into triumph.
For batsmen, it means practicing footwork under pressure, visualising different dismissal scenarios, and reviewing footage with a coach. Bowlers focus on consistency – maintaining a rhythm in the run‑up, refining release points, and studying the opposition’s weaknesses. Fielders sharpen reflexes through targeted drills, while all players work on mental toughness by setting small, achievable goals. These routines, when performed regularly, lay the groundwork for success in high‑stakes games.
Rahane’s call for process is not a one‑off request; it’s part of a broader cultural shift. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has, over the past few years, invested heavily in coaching infrastructure and data analytics. These resources aim to embed a consistent methodology across all levels – from grassroots to the national squad. By aligning everyone around the same set of practices, the team can avoid the pitfalls of reactive decision‑making.
Indian fans, accustomed to instant results, often feel the sting of a loss almost immediately. Rahane’s emphasis on process offers a different narrative – one that values long‑term growth over short‑term glory. Media outlets picked up on this angle, framing the captain’s message as a strategic pivot. While some critics questioned whether a process‑first approach could produce quick wins, many supporters appreciated the transparent and disciplined stance.
Rahane’s influence extends beyond his on‑field responsibilities. He is a senior member of the squad, and his behaviour sets a tone for younger players. When he returns to training after a loss, he is seen reviewing footage with a calm expression, encouraging teammates to focus on their next practice session. This visible commitment reinforces the idea that process is a shared responsibility, not just a directive from the captain.
1. Prioritise daily routines over weekend performances. 2. Use video analysis to identify subtle flaws that can be corrected early. 3. Maintain open communication with coaches about progress and challenges. 4. Set short‑term, measurable goals for each match – for example, a target number of wickets or runs scored under specific conditions. 5. Celebrate small victories, such as a successful catch or a maiden over, to build confidence.
India’s upcoming series against New Zealand will test whether the process mindset has taken root. The team faces a new set of conditions – pitches that favour seam bowling and a New Zealand side that values discipline. If Rahul’s message is heeded, the squad will enter the series with a clear focus on day‑to‑day execution rather than the fear of a series loss. The outcome will be a telling sign of how well the process has been integrated.
India’s cricket ecosystem is vast and competitive. From club cricket to the national team, players encounter a range of pressures. A process‑first approach offers a stable framework that can absorb these stresses. It allows athletes to maintain performance consistency, even when external expectations fluctuate. By adopting this philosophy, the team can navigate the highs and lows of international cricket with greater confidence.
Rahane’s call to “follow the process” is more than a post‑defeat mantra; it is a reminder that cricket, like life, is built on steady, deliberate action. The 5‑0 loss in Australia may have been a setback, but it also provides an opportunity to reinforce fundamentals that have led India to success in the past. As the team prepares for future challenges, the emphasis on process will likely become a cornerstone of how they train, play, and ultimately win.
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