'Don't overthink or worry about things' - Travis Head gives peek into mindset for high-stake matches

Australian cricketing sensation Travis Head has been making noise across various formats and leagues. From his heroic centuries in the 2023 World Test Championship and 2023 ODI World Cup finals against India to his recent exploits in the IPL and Major League Cricket, the southpaw's performances have been nothing short of spectacular. 

In the past year, Head has been consistent across multiple tournaments. The left-hand batter was instrumental in Australia's victories in both major ICC events. Head's recent form has been equally impressive, with a stellar IPL season for Sunrisers Hyderabad and a strong performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

He smashed a magnificent 137 which helped Australia secure thier sixth ODI World Cup, becoming the seventh batter to score a century in an ODI World Cup final. Head's approach in important matches reveals much about his mental toughness.

"I think in terms of the big matches, just staying nice and calm and relaxed and knowing that my game was in good order helped. I didn't try to overthink things or worry too much about the scenario or the situation or the things that are riding on it," Head told exclusively to SportsBoom.com. 

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It was nice to play a semi-final: Travis Head

The 30-year-old emphasised the importance of not overthinking or worrying excessively and insteadfocuses on his game and leaves the broader strategy to the team leadership. 

"Just going out and playing another game of cricket was the thought process. It was nice to play a semi-final and have two days and then play again," Head added.

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In the 2024 IPL season, he scored 567 runs for SRH at a remarkable strike rate of 191.55. His form continued in the T20 World Cup, where he finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 255 runs. Most recently, Head's 336 runs in nine matches earned him the Player of the Tournament award in Washington Freedom's title-winning campaign at MLC 2024.