India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur touches the feet of coach Amol Muzumdar as they celebrate after winning the ICC Women’s World Cup Final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. | Photo Credit: EMMANUEL YOGINI
Amol Muzumdar is a notable figure in Indian cricket history; he is recognized as one of the most talented batsmen who never received an opportunity to represent the national team. His remarkable Ranji Trophy debut included an impressive score of 260 not out, yet he faced consistent exclusion. Nonetheless, he remained determined, continuously learning and awaiting his moment.
That moment arrived on November 2, 2025, not as a player, but as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, which secured its first ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title. Muzumdar’s enduring resilience finally bore fruit.
The narrative of Jemimah Rodrigues, who excelled in the semi-final against Australia during the same tournament, reflects a similar commitment. Her journey has been defined by tenacity, faith, and an indomitable spirit.
Prominent business figures such as TT Jagannathan, the late Chairman of the TTK Group, and Harsh Mariwala, the founder of Parachute coconut oil, embody this relentless spirit as well. Each of them confronted challenges and moments of self-doubt but consistently chose perseverance over despair.
These individuals confronted internal struggles, faced uncertainties, and maintained hope even when quitting would have been more straightforward. This exemplifies true leadership.
Leadership transcends mere strategy or authority; it centers on character—maintaining steadiness amid turmoil and adapting when plans falter.
True leadership involves:
Staying composed during chaos and discovering alternative routes when original plans fail.
Recognizing one’s own emotions and those of others to foster trust and connection.
Adjusting one’s leadership style in response to change and uncertainty.
Building trust through actions rather than mere words.
The real challenge of leadership emerges in times of crisis—when resources are scarce, the stakes are elevated, and answers are not readily apparent.
Even the most resilient leaders encounter fear and self-doubt. The inner critiques can be overwhelming. Yet, leadership manifests when they silence those doubts, stand firm, and advance—much like Amol, Jemimah, Jagannathan, and Mariwala did.
The enduring song “The Impossible Dream” encapsulates this sentiment:
To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear the unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go…
This embodies the essence of every genuine leader: to aspire, to endure, and to rise repeatedly.
(The writer is a visiting professor at the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, and an organizational and behavioral consultant. He can be contacted at ttsrinath@gmail.com)
Published on November 7, 2025
