Did you know that Indira Nooyi, the former PepsiCo Chief Executive who has consistently been in the world’s 100 most powerful women list, also used to be a seam bowler? On multiple occasions, she has emphasized on the invaluable lessons that she’s learnt from the sport and that helped her shape the extraordinary career that she’s had.
For leaders who drive results, it is imperative that the ‘players’ are all in the right positions complimenting their skillsets and also, that the ‘players’ are thinking about the team first rather than individual achievements. While the team spirit is what you take away from a sport like cricket, a more individual sport like swimming or tennis teaches you tenacity and determination. Sports, of any kind, make you a more solid and level-headed human being.
And this is exactly what a lot of organizations around us are increasingly realizing and bringing into effect across various touch points with their customers.
Here, on these 10 occasions, Kestone roped in some of the biggest sports icons of India from brands such as Britannia, Cisco, Dell and Snickers, who inspired millions with their passion for sports and commitment for being nothing but the bests.
Leander Paes
An eminent Indian Tennis Player and former Davis Cup team Captain, the legendary Leander Paes has brought India to the world map by winning eight doubles, ten mixed doubles Grand Slam title and the first-ever Olympic Gold medal.
M S Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the finest captains India has ever had. Dhoni, who captained the team from 2007 to 2016, is one of the best wicketkeepers in world cricket. Under his excellent leadership, the Indian cricket team won the World Cup in 2011 and World Twenty20 in 2007.
Kapil Dev and Krishnamachari Srikanth
The stars of 1983 World Cup, Kapil Dev, and Krishnamachari Srikanth have consistently been credited with India’s glorious win in England.
Anil Kumble
Padma Shri, Anil 'Jumbo' Kumble, is the former Indian cricketer, coach, commentator, who played Tests and ODIs for 18 years, who has taken an unbelievable 619 wickets in Test cricket.
Saurav Ganguly
Fondly called 'dada', the bazooka of cricket, Saurav Ganguly needs no introduction. He is a former Indian cricketer, commentator and administrator who played as a left-handed opening batsman and was the captain of the Indian national team.
Gautam Gambhir and Javagal Srinath
Though the stalwarts of cricket, Gautam Gambhir and Javagal Srinath come from different eras, their passion and contributions to Indian cricket and the Indian cricket team are infinite.
Vishwanathan Anand
The undisputed World Champion, Vishwanathan Anand, is the first Grandmaster from India. He has won the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation) World Championship in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Geeta Phogat
Dubbed as India’s original Dangal girl, Geeta Phogat from Bhiwani, Haryana is the first Indian woman to win Gold in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games and the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympics.
Harsha Bhogle
Harsha Bhogle is the cricketer cum quiz master, who is known for his depth and knowledge on cricket and current affairs.
Mithali Raj
Also hailed as Lady Sachin, Padma Shri Mithali Raj is the flag barrier of Women’s cricket in India. Apart from being the first captain (women) to lead India to an ICC ODI World Cup final twice in 2005 and 2017, she is the first woman to score 6,000 ODI runs in women’s cricket and is a world record holder for 47 half-centuries in ODIs.
Here’s hoping that the various industries that form the backbone of our economy continue to benefit from the world of sports and also, increasingly encourage the employees to indulge and learn from the games of their choice.
