Cricket: Time for a sports psychologist for Indian Cricket

As the Coca-Cola Cup Triangular series comes to an end, the Indian team has once again lived up to it's new found reputation of "Chokers." This was the eighth time in the last 18 months when the Indians made it into the finals of a tournament and faltered. Even though they showed a tremendous amount of character in making it to the final from near elimination, they were once again found wanting on the D-DAY.

No doubt, the Indian team has a lot of talent and potential, but then what is it that fails them when the big occasion arrives?

As I said, talent and potential is not the problem, however, if you look closely, the problem seems to lie in their mind. The problem of "mind" is far more complex than the problems relating to technique, fitness or anything else. These problems can be solved by practicing harder and by other methods, but when the problem lies in the mind, it's an altogether different matter.

However, as the cliche goes -- every problem has a solution -- and in the same way, this one also has a solution, which in this case comes in the shape of a sports psychologist.

In today's world of professionalism where winning matters most, it is rather inexplicable as to why the Indian Cricket Board has yet to employ a full time sports psychologist. Sports psychologists are not alien to the game of Cricket, and they have played an important role in the success of teams like Australia and South Africa. A sports psychologist may not be able to play for you in the middle, but he can surely help you off it, especially when you consider a team like India, which does seems to lack self belief and confidence.

The Indian team is in the middle of a very busy schedule and they have hardly any time to pick themselves up from their humiliating loss in the final of the Coca-Cola Cup. Their morale is at an all time low and that can make it very tough for the players to keep themselves motivated to face the next challenge. This is exactly the situation wherein a sports psychologist can really help. Here's how a sports psychologist could make the difference.

Psychology is the science related to the mind, and really what goes on in your mind is what transpires through your actions. Therefore, for your actions to be correct, it is important to have your mind focussed on the job. The mind is man's main weapon, and if the mind is tough and in the right order, one can conquer the toughest difficulties in life.

A sports psychologist, by talking to the players individually, could help them in identifying the problems that they are facing. Identifying the problem is very important, as only then can one come to a solution.

A sports psychologist could familiarize the players with their hidden potential, and at the same time, he can help them to realize what their strengths and weaknesses are. This is basically called the art of knowing ones own self.

We all claim to know ourselves, but it is not an easy task to do and this is where a sports psychologist can help the players discover themselves.

The sports psychologist could infuse the players with self-belief, confidence and, above all, a positive attitude. These are three qualities that are essential for success at the highest level, or for that matter, success at any level.

The Indians, unfortunately, seem to be lacking in all the three of those qualities, and I am sure that a few sessions with a psychologist could really help them in fighting this situation.

A sports psychologist could also help the players in dealing with various problems like high nervousness, high anxiety, and high-tension, by talking to them, as well as through various exercises. These exercises can help the players in relaxing their nerves and in easing the tension that they may be facing.

The Indian team does tend to play under a huge pressure of expectation and, therefore, it is important that they know these methods so that they can handle it, while playing for their country. By following these small tips or exercises, a player can be much better prepared to face pressure situations.

A sports psychologist could also play a big role in clearing the objectives that different individuals have to achieve. He can get the players focussed, and that is very important if you want to win. The more clear the objective, the easier it is to achieve it.

Finally, I would only say that it is very evident that the Indian team desperately needs the service of a sports psychologist because, at the moment, that's the only option. If a sports psychologist doesn't help, than we are only left with God, and as they say "God only helps those who help themselves."

It's time the Cricket Board helps itself and the players by appointing a full-time sports psychologist for the team. Until that happens, let's keep our fingers crossed.