Off The Pitch

Remember the last time your favourite sports icon decided to call it a day? It's always tough to accept that they will never play the sport again. A fan is bound to feel emotional. After following them for years and decades, the idea of not having them around in the sporting world is terrifying. It is like a hole that is left behind. But have you ever wondered what happens on the other side of the spectrum?

Have a look at this article:

In this article titled "The Man Whom Cricket Loved Back," Sambit Bal, the editor-in-chief of ESPNcricinfo, captures the collective emotion shared by a million cricket fans across the country with the concluding line, "How could cricket not love him back?" Published on the ESPNcricinfo website on November 19, 2013, the article offers a unique perspective on Sachin Tendulkar's retirement. While the world was celebrating Sachin's retirement and thinking how much the fans would miss him, the author tried to make the fans realize the other end of the spectrum.

To achieve this purpose, the author skillfully crafts a narrative that resonates deeply with the audience. By beginning with a personal anecdote, the article establishes authenticity and relatability, assuring readers that the author shares the emotion shared by millions of cricket enthusiasts. The author acknowledges the emptiness fans experience when their beloved icon leaves the sporting world but raises a thought-provoking question: is that emptiness greater than the one in Tendulkar's heart?

This question subtly adds a new perspective to the entire situation. Often in the process of idolizing a player, we put them on an enormously high pedestal and end up forgetting that they are also normal human beings.

The author uses the line, "Can Tendulkar do without cricket," to highlight the impact the decision to retire has on an individual. It delves into Tendulkar's final speech, where he expressed that the echoes of the iconic "Sachin, Sachin" chant will reverberate within him forever. This glimpse into Tendulkar's emotional journey is a poignant reminder that players cannot shed their identities as athletes.

Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of granting players the space they deserve during significant moments like farewell ceremonies. The author highlights the flurry of media surrounding Tendulkar during his final lap of honor, urging fans and media alike to step back and allow players to absorb the moment without intrusion.

Towards the end, the author mentions that people conferred godhood on the cricketer, but in reality, Sachin was not the god of cricket; but the greatest worshipper of the game.

The article serves as a reminder that at both ends of the spectrum are humans. While the fans are justified in their actions, it is crucial to remember that on the other side of the spectrum is also a human, perhaps being more affected by such decisions. The same goes with the emotions felt after a high stake victory and defeat in the game.

"It's Only Crazy Until You Do It. Just Do It"

Before you delve into another journey of going Off the Pitch, close your eyes and picture what comes to your mind after reading the first line. Could you relate it to any instance of your life? Or recall a person with whom you can associate this line? Or maybe saw it as a motivational quote that calls for action?

Somewhere amongst the cloud of all these thoughts, if you saw the iconic logo of Nike appear in your imagination, it's safe to say that the brand has successfully cast its magical spell onto you. But how did this happen? And how does all of this relate to going Off the Pitch?

First have a look at this advertisement:

Sporting stories serve as a great platform to spread social messages. It is relatable to the masses and shows the audience the human side of their icons. It makes them believe that dreams come true and that failures and struggles are real. It makes the entire narrative very raw and authentic. Nike, in its 'Dream Crazier' campaign, is successfully able to capitalize on this aspect of the sport.

This advertisement revolves around the journeys of female sporting personalities and tries to dismiss the typical stereotypes that often end up being associated with women. It highlights how women who show emotions, stand for themselves or aim for equal status are deemed dramatic, delusional, unhinged, hysterical or crazy.

With the backdrop of sports attached to its theme, the advertisement tries to convey that it does not matter what the world's opinions are. If the actions are called crazy, the onus lies on the individual to show what crazy can do in this world. This idea is highlighted by featuring Chole Kim, the snowboarder who became the first female to land a Frontside Double Cork, Ibtihaj Muhammad, the Olympian fencer who became the first woman to wear a hijab in competition during the Olympics and then Serena Williams, winner of 23 grand slams. Throughout their journeys, they were deemed crazy; now, the world sees them as 'successful' and 'inspiring' personalities. The advertisement leaves the audience with the message, "It's Only Crazy Until You Do It," and then the iconic Nike "Just Do It" tagline fades into the visual that follows the classic black and white color scheme of the brand.

While the message served in this commercial portrays a noble thought and helps spread a social message, the creators have very skillfully embedded what Nike stands for. All the women featured in the ad film wear the Nike logo on their outfits, conveying to the audience that when the world was calling them crazy, Nike believed in them and supported them throughout their journey. The choice of the athletes and the specific inclusion of Ibtihaj Muhammad directs the focus towards the ideology that Nike stands for all and does not support discrimination on any grounds.

The background music used contributes to the ambience and also serves as a captivating thread that keeps the audience hooked to the advertisement. Using Serena Williams' voice for the entire narrative adds more value to the advertisement. Using a world icon adds trust to the commercial and makes the cause seem more authentic. All of it adds to what people perceive the brand to be.

The underlying message of the advertisement is simple. It specifically targets women and asks them to do what they want to. It asks them not to think about the world's opinion and continue the journey towards their dream. It implicitly conveys that Nike is willing to be on that journey with them. By telling their philosophy, it suggests that their brand stands for women and does not follow the stereotypical notion.

'Does the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?' The infamous question posed by Mathematician Edward Lorenz tried answering what the Butterfly Effect is. While the world still contemplates the impact of small events in one system on the consequences it can have on another, let me take you on a journey of what I believe was my life's butterfly effect.

It was the night of the 2nd of April 2011, the night of the ICC world cup final. With millions of eyes glued to the television screens, the six-year-old me was busy in his world. Completely unaware of the context of this particular match, he tried all the possible ways to convince his grandpa to change the channel to his favourite cartoon. With all efforts leading to no result, the last resort was to sit silently and observe. Little did he know of what was to follow.

As I continued watching the last few moments of the match with utmost disinterest, something unusual happened. As M.S. Dhoni launched that winning shot into the night sky, the bubble of silence burst. The noise of people shouting at the top of their voices and the sound of crackers settled in the atmosphere. The whole vibe around me turned festive. With my mind in a complete state of confusion, another incident followed. The camera panned to Dhoni's face and then his 'twirl of the bat' celebratory action. All of it played in slow-motion. That moment still stays fresh in my memory. The emotion in his eyes and the attractiveness of the simple celebration had caught all the attention of a six-year-old. I glued myself to the television screen, curious to see what would unfold next. 

Moments later, I heard this line, "He (Sachin) has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; it's time we carry him on our shoulders." Said by a 23-year-old Virat; It gave me a hint that cricket was much more than what went on the pitch. I took my eyes away from the television and stepped onto my balcony. To my surprise, the streets were flooded. Flooded with people. At that time of the night, usually, it was silent enough to easily hear even a whisper; but that night was different. It looked as if the world had come to a standstill. All because of a single incident. I went back that day to sleep with a question. 'What is it in sports that people are so strongly affected by?' 'What is it in Sports that unites so many people?' What is it in Sports that evokes such strong emotions?' And that question kickstarted a journey, a journey of exploration.

Over the years, I spent hours and hours watching and observing sports of different kinds, with my primary interest area being cricket. Around age 11, I took to playing badminton. The training sessions, the effort, the discipline, and the competitions told that what's seen on the field is just a miniature reflection of what goes beyond it. It gave me the opportunity of looking at sports from another lens. 

The Off the Pitch stories are a lifetime treasure for me. They have become a source of learning. They have helped me understand the joys of victories and the sorrows of losses. Uncovering behind-the-scenes narratives has revealed how powerful emotions are. Going off the pitch made me think beyond the usual and added perspectives to my thinking.

The monsoons were waiting on the edge. Under an overcast night sky was unfolding one of the closest IPL finals. The calendar had just switched its date to the 31st of May, 2023. With the match between Chennai Super Kings and the defending champions Gujarat Titans going down to the wire, the emotions in the stadium were running extremely high. The supporters praying for their team's victory, the players trying to handle their nerves.

With a thrilling last-ball finish ending in favor of team CSK, what followed in the stadium was an outburst of emotions. Dejection and Happiness were captured in one camera frame. Dreams were fulfilled and shattered, and prayers were answered and refused. Sport is an ensemble of great stories. Stories not just of victories and defeats, wins and losses, but of people, of emotions. The players, the families, the support systems, the small things that aligned and the way the dots connected.

In a world obsessed with statistics, matchups, fantasy leagues, wins and losses, this blog will try to go 'Off the Pitch.' Go off the pitch and unearth the stories that sport has to offer. Explore sports from a different perspective and celebrate the stories and lessons from the world of sports.