Perhaps, all the Australian players have a secret switch fitted in their minds. It helps them win all those clutch moments. During such a situation, you somehow expect the best shot or the near-perfect ball or even one of them effecting a run-out. It happened during the T20 World Cup semifinal between India and Australia in Cape Town last year.
In that game, India came close to usurping the favourites. Just that Harmanpreet Kaur’s bat got stuck in the pitch and she was run out. Ultimately, India had to taste a bitter defeat. They might count themselves unlucky, but on the other hand, it probably capsulised that little bit of champion mentality stored somewhere in Australian genes. Remember, had Ashleigh Gardner not dived and stopped the ball, she wouldn’t have created the opportunity.
Ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE, as one wondered what is the secret of Australia’s glittering achievements, Alyssa Healy, their skipper, gave a cheeky answer in the presser: “We won’t let the secret out.”
Honestly, there is no secret formula to their success. While other teams feel the pressure in crunch situations, it almost seems as if the Australians are enjoying the game. Such kind of confidence can only come from a built-in memory of winning numerous trophies in both the 50-over and T20-over formats.
That was in brief about Australia. Meanwhile, India are in the chasing pack, aiming to find a crevice in the ‘Invincible’ Australian side. India have been inches away from lifting the coveted World Cup in the abridged versions over the last seven years, but they have somehow slipped at the final hurdles. So, that brings up a question: Can India soak in the pressure of playing knockouts? And how exactly can they get mentally tougher?
To find that answer, we have to perhaps look at a champion from another sport — Novak Djokovic. He once said this to TennisChannel: “Mental strength is not a gift. It is something that comes with work. Conscious breathing is a big part of it, especially in moments when you’re under tension. I don’t like this mindset which I see a lot in sports, ‘just think positive thoughts, be optimistic, there is no room for failure.’ It is impossible, you’re a human being.
“The difference I guess between the guys who are the biggest champions and the ones that are struggling to get to that level is the ability to not stay in those emotions for too long. As soon as I experience it, I acknowledge it, maybe I burst out or scream on the court, but I am able to bounce back and reset.”
In that respect, India are on the right path as they have a psychologist in Mugdha Bawre. Harmanpreet acknowledged her help in the presser: “Sometimes, when things aren’t going well, you need someone that you can go and talk to. I know family is there, but they won’t always be travelling with you. But having someone who can keep you in that space, where you can feel relaxed and calm is great.
“Yes, Mugdha ma’am has been helping us for a long time. Whatever you’re talking, it is very personal, and she is keeping it to herself. I think that is something which is really helpful for every player.”
She also noted: “When you win, sometimes you feel, ‘OK, that is something I have achieved.’ But at the same time, next day when you go, you may make small mistakes. And I think that is part of the game. And I think learning is something which is never going to stop, every day is a learning day.
“Every day I’m going and learning and getting experience from every game. I think people around me, they are helping me, they are working hard to make our team go at that level where we want to be. I am happy with where our team is, like how our team is working hard to achieve small, small things.”
Despite all positive thoughts from Harmanpreet, for now, Australia are the clear favourites to triumph in the desert of the UAE. Maybe, just maybe, Harmanpreet can have a small chat and drink with Sophie Devine, the New Zealand skipper.
After all, in the 2010 World Cup, just like Harmanpreet, Devine was at the receiving end of Australia’s ability to rise to the occasion. Ellyse Perry and the rest of her teammates had put on a mind-numbing exhibition of bowling and athleticism on the field to ensure Australia would scrap home by a mere three runs.