FROM UNDERDOGS TO CHAMPIONS
- JIMMY MATTHEW
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Q.1: FROM UNDERDOGS TO CHAMPIONS... When Did You Believe Red Flames Could Actually Win the Tournament?
ANS: Firstly, the Tag suited us. Being in group of Death, we took each game by the day and not the entire tournament as a whole. First game against Venoms, tested our winning spirits as we carved out a victory. One stage our hope seemed to slip. But instead of giving in, the team chose to Believe. Every run was fought, every ball contested with grit. Small moments began to shift and that created a Momentum to last.
Q.2: THE TURNING POINT – Was There One Moment Where Everything Changed for Your Team? ANS: Low points and Losses are the best Teachers and often Scale Turning Moments. Jupiter Game, the only game we lost, below the Red Flames. It was an evaporating feeling. It forced me in particular to Pause and Reflect on our capabilities. Loss teaches resilience, discipline and effort to fight hard. With cross talks and cajole with the team members, it developed a hunger, brought the team closer. The Setback that day became a Foundation. From that moment everything clicked, energies lifted. Uphill task now becomes a Mission.
Q.3: BEATING TAKSHILA TITANS IN THE QUARTERFINALS SHOCKED EVERYONE – What Was the Game Plan? ANS: Game Plan was ‘Transpose’ – my Captains Speak for this game. A term employed while playing Piano (which I do), i.e. Same Note Plays a Higher Scale Note. Message to team members was – Unless we do not Play in Higher scales today with same skills what we possess we cannot win against the Team as Mighty as Titans (tough opponents to play forget defeat)! First our bowlers did and then the batters with fielders being steadfast all the time. Best part was each Member understood the ‘Transpose’ and scaled up their play contributing at most crucial moments like and the ‘Real Meaning of Transpose was demonstrated by Daya with those 2 mighty Sixes with his 1 and 2 balls at the crease in last over!!
Q.4: WINNING MINDSET - What Made This Team Mentally Stronger? ANS: We must always live to Win the Hours and Days of life. The members of Red Flames, except 1-2, are typically Middle-of-the – Road, underwhelming but descriptive. The philosophy of life is ‘We do not need too much in Life, instead make maximum use of what we have’. This was instilled right from the formation of red flames, which helped the members to assume higher responsibilities be stronger.
Q.5: FINAL SHOWDOWN VS YOUNG BOYS - How Did You Prepare for the Biggest Match of the Tournament?
ANS: Knowing Young Boys, their most Passionate Captain, we were aware it was the difficult opponents to beat. Therefore, instead of Red Ocean approach, a team strategy centered around Blue Ocean (have a Big Cap thinking and create new ways) – our Initial bowling and those 2 batters of Ajit’s Class (he not only batted so beautifully but mentored Anuj at crease and overall orchestrated the chase) and Anuj’s youth was perfect example of Blue Ocean thinking.
Q.6: LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY - What Values Did You Instill in Your Team Keep Them United?
ANS: By not allowing the Members to wither. In playing sports the tough moments will always occur. We have formed a Mgt Group and a Role play for all and Focus on own delivery besides Discipline of Time, – it was job of everyone to give a Lifting Flip, when batter goes for 2-3 dots, or fielder misses or drops a catch, or bowler gets whacked (it’s all part and will happen), to each other the way Birds do when they fly in V-Formation.
Q.7: At 64, You Are Captaining and Promoting a Team with Wide Age Category (23-50 Yrs) How Was the Experience?
ANS: Something truly special to me. Process is the King. My effort has been to build process, trust, shared effort and joy. Give Space to everyone, one needs, just a bit of an eye and prop up is needed. Moreover, watching new players join, adopt, learn from them and become part of strong Red Flames family culture has been the most rewarding experience for me.
Above all, coming with long corporate experience at senior level, excites me to interact across the ages, form winning permutations and strategies by brainstorming and involving all team members. And laying clear Role plays for all by judging their desires and needs.
At 64,
‘Kai Jeet, Kabhi Haar, Abhi to Zindagi ka Suhna Safar baki hai,
Yeh to Ek PANNA hai, abhi to KITAB Likhna Baki hai’.
It’s not about Age; it’s about Passion which helps look all barriers small!
MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE:
I take a moment to convey my Big thanks to my Red Flame Team, the mgt, for believing in this journey, showing up, and giving the best at all times. And their immense love for me and allowing me to Play, when I stand no chance. And to everyone who supported and encouraged us all along, I am truly humbled and always remain grateful.
Red Flames also sincerely thank Jimmy, organizing key man for his untiring zeal of carpeting these kinds of exciting tourneys for A league. It requires a huge backend prep which was very ably propelled by Sushil Shetty, a competent man stitching various coordinates ably supported by Rajesh and Akash. The officials in the tournament who did a Fair and Professional job. Besides Security and keepers’ team. Not to forget the School Management courtesy, we are able to play this lovely game.
The participating teams, their captains, mgt and all A league eco-systems were a natural ally to this beautifully contested Big Bash.8!
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