PLAIN-TALK
I am reminded of the time when Kapil Dev, one of the greatest all-rounder of the world and the first world cup winning captain of India after having played some of the most courageous games in his career, was struggling to get even a single wicket during the fag end of his playing career.
As an ardent fan of Kapil, having watched him play several match-winning games for India, it was painful to see him struggling to seam the ball which he could do at this wish and will once upon a time. Though everyone respected him for his honesty, hard-working nature and leadership skills, there was a common talk among all the friends that it was time for him to go.
However, we all knew why Kapil was still in the team despite his below average performances, both with ball and bat. He was just few wickets behind Sir Richard Hadlee of New Zealand who was at that time the highest wicket taker in the world.
So we all internally wished that Kapil would break the record of Hadlee soon and thus end his career so that some fresh talent could get a chance to play.
And so it happened that, finally, in the year 1994, Kapil Dev took his 431st Test wicket and thus became the highest wicket-taker in the world.
Shortly, he announced retirement as expected, and a fulfilling, ripe and eventful career of one of the greatest sportsperson came to an end.
Many years have passed since that incident and everything, including Indian cricket, has come a long way since then.
It was only recently when I read an interesting article about that incident related to his retirement surfaced, and a new angle came up.
During an interview with Mid-Day, Anshuman Gaekwad, who was one of the selectors while Kapil broke Hadlee’s record narrated what happened behind the scene that day.
Here is an excerpt from the article (you can read more details on https://www.mensxp.com/sports/cricket/117631-how-bcci-made-kapil-dev-retire-early.html)
Back then, Jagmohan Dalmiya was the BCCI secretary and Gundappa Vishwanath was the chief selector but none of them had the courage to walk up to Kapil and tell him what he had done wrong.
At the national selection committee meeting the same evening, it was decided that Kapil Dev would be told to retire. Anshuman Gaekwad, who was one of the selectors, accompanied Vishwanath as they approached Kapil Dev inside the team locker room during the tea break.
During a recent interview with Mid-Day, Gaekwad revealed how he took the onus upon himself to get the board’s message across to the legendary all-rounder because the chief selector was a bit hesitant.
“Vishy (Vishwanath) wasn’t a forthright guy, who would tell you that you were doing something wrong on your face. He would go round and round while talking to someone,” Gaikwad was quoted as saying.
“So, I took the initiative. I told Kapil: ‘Kaps, we need to talk to you. The selectors feel that you need to quit now, and you also know it. We will give you a farewell game as per your choice, but you’ve got to call it a day.’”
“Kapil reacted very nicely and said: ‘Thank you very much. I really appreciate what you told me’.
One has to do these kinds of things at times, which I did,” Gaikwad added.
We all know Kapil Dev, but many of us may not know Anshuman Gaekwad (except for those in cricketing fraternity), however, what Mr. Gaekwad did that day was not easy. Kapil was a legendary name; he was a well-respected player and a leader, and he was also known for his bouts of anger.
Still, while the BCCI secretary and the chief selector could not muster up the courage to do the ‘plain-talk’, Gaekwad did what was right. He was clear about the future of the team, the players and the need of the hour.
He was also very clear that a legend such as Kapil, needs to be given all due respect. Kapil saw that genuine concern in what Gaekwad said and being a true leader that he was, welcomed the ‘plain-talk’.
One will face these kind of not-so-comfortable situations as one progresses in life and career. A true leader needs to embrace the situation and need to develop the respect and courage to do the plain-talking be it in business, profession or sometimes even in family.
Here are a few tips that one make out from the above incident and can follow while one has to do plain-talk
- Time is precious. Do not waste time coming to the point. The more time is wasted, the more inner fear will come up.
- Tell it in plain and simple language. It is important to call a spade a spade. Yes, it may not sound easy, neither will it create an instant feel-good factor, but the fact has to be conveyed in a simple, straight forward manner.
- A very important point is to be polite, courteous, and patient all the time while the news is being delivered and also till the time, the receiver of the information shows signs of regaining maturity to take the news.
- Most importantly, let the other person know that your concern is genuine, for the greater good and accepting reality only strengthens the relationship
- Try every possible way to make things easier for the hurting person. (Like how Ansuman Gaekwad offer a last farewell match at his homeground to Kapil Dev so that he can perform one last time in front of his crowd)
While there are other phrases to convey the same act, such as ‘calling a spade a spade’, ‘ not beating around the bush’, ‘ catching a bull by its horns’, etc. I prefer the word ‘plain-talk’ because for me that’s is what it is….. keep it simple, keep it plain, and let’s talk….
Have you been in a situation like this where you had to do plain-talking? What was your experience? What did you learn from that incident? Feel free to share.