Tilak Varma stranded on 49* is a win in itself - How the ugly can be India's beautiful

For decades, Indian cricket has witnessed players taking centre stage, akin to opera prima donnas, often prioritising personal milestones over the team's victory. This phenomenon, deeply rooted in cricket's history, has led to Indian batters chasing their individual records, sometimes but not always, to the detriment of the team's performance.

The pursuit of personal glory has elevated Indian cricketers to god-like status in the country, bestowing upon them both fame and substantial wealth. However, recent times have seen a shift in perspective, with the realisation that success in ICC tournaments demands a collective effort that transcends individual accomplishments.

In the annals of Indian cricket, the pursuit of personal milestones has often taken precedence during matches, sometimes at the cost of the team's success. This tradition, rooted in cricket's gentlemanly ethos, has turned players into icons celebrated for their individual achievements rather than their contribution to team victories. As matches edge towards the conclusion and the danger recedes, the focus shifts towards securing individual milestones, even if the team's victory is imminent.

This dynamic has resulted in cricketing legends like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma becoming more than just cricketers – they've evolved into brands that extend beyond the sport. However, despite their personal glory, India's performance in ICC tournaments over the last decade has been underwhelming. The team's approach, dominated by individual pursuits, often pales in comparison to more cohesive teams that prioritise collective success over personal milestones.

In contrast, the England cricket team's "Bazball" approach has offered an alternative perspective. Regardless of a player's score, they play with aggressive intent, leaving no room for complacency, even when milestones are within reach. This aggressive stance has revitalised Test cricket, rendering it more entertaining and engaging. England's success is a testament to how a unified team strategy can yield remarkable results, overshadowing individual feats.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results

To truly transform its fortune on the global stage, Indian cricket must break free from the shackles of individual pursuit and embrace a team-centric ethos. The ICC tournaments demand comprehensive team performances, where every player's role is intertwined in the collective success of the side. The likes of Hardik Pandya, with his match-winning six against West Indies, exemplify a change in mindset. By prioritising the team's victory over personal accolades, Pandya set an example for the younger generation, emphasising that personal milestones hold little value without the context of team success.

The debate surrounding Pandya's actions reflects a broader shift in cricketing philosophy. While some criticise him for denying Tilak Varma his half-century, Pandya's action underlines a shift towards a more selfless approach, emphasising the urgency of wrapping up matches in favour of individual landmarks. This perspective aligns with the notion that team victories resonate more profoundly than personal achievements.

As the cricketing world gears up for the ICC World Cup in October 2023, India stand at crossroads. The path to victory lies not in repeating the same pursuit of individual glory, but in forging a new direction that emphasises collective achievement. The cricketing world is filled with instances of individual greatness, but it is the teams that work in harmony, driven by a shared goal, that leave an indelible mark on history.

In the words of cricketing legend Rahul Dravid, "A team’s success is built on collective effort, not individual brilliance." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of what India must strive for in the upcoming World Cup.

 Success on the global stage necessitates a paradigm shift – from prioritising personal glory to fostering an environment where every player's effort contributes to the greater cause.

As Indian cricket finds itself at a pivotal juncture the pursuit of individual milestones, while once celebrated, is no longer sufficient to ensure success in ICC tournaments. To overcome their struggles on the grand stage, Indian cricketers must rally together, transcending personal aspirations for collective triumph.

So let batters be stranded on 99 and let the bowlers be a wicket away from a fifer if it means the team does well in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, for fans' loyalty lies with the national team, not any individual.