I have often wondered how team games like Cricket or Football or Hockey work. Or for that matter any team game. Every player has a role to play. You can be a bowler or a wicketkeeper or a batsman if we consider cricket. You have a defined role. A bowler opens the bowling attack, and is supposed to pick up early wickets. A batsman on the other hand is supposed to make use of the conditions and score quickly to set up a good total.

Or for that matter even in Football. A defender, is supposed to clear the ball if it comes in his half, and a striker is supposed to put those half chances to full use. A defender should give up his excitement of going forward, and trying to score. He should not give in to his instincts of trying to do skills. He should have a no nonsense approach to his game. The mid fielders get to flaunt these skills and can be showy in their game.

All in all, I don’t think you get to show case all your talents on the pitch.

Another thing is that in cricket, it hardly so happens that a bowler gets a man of the match. It is always the batsmen who walk away with this prestigious prize. A bowler can take 3 wickets, but it's still not enough in front of the 70 odd made by the batsman. Why is this so? Isn’t the bowler doing his job of taking the wickets? If it's a high scoring game, the batsman who scored the century gets the prize. If it's a low scoring game, the batsman who lasted and scored that winning run in a nail biting finish gets the prize. If the first side scores a huge total. And the second side get out at a low score, it is always said that the team lost because they crumbled to the pressure of the score. Never is it said that some good bowling did the trick. It's unfair on the part of the bowler, he always sees a Sachin walk up to the podium to collect the trophy. Hardly ever is he called up.

In every team game, I think it's a collective effort. I agree that some matches have their own heroes, but most of the times, it is because every man does his job. If a striker scores a hat trick, it's all due to the feeders, else he would have nowhere.

It’s the same everywhere. In a company, the profit all goes to the owner, but it's those small things which every person does behind the screen, that all things happen so smoothly. In all things, it's a collective effort. A stage performance, a concert, a get together of friends. Even a party. A trip. It's all because every person contributes in his her own special way. We may not be able to applaud every person, but never forget to acknowledge the effort. Every person counts. Every small deed helps. Every small effort pays. It may be small, but it makes a difference! Always remember, alone, you can do nothing. You can accomplish nothing. A family, a group. Anywhere. All are necessary so that every person is in his her right state of mind. A husband cannot blame his wife for not contributing to the house income. She has her assigned task, appreciate that. Nor does it work the other way. Look into yourself, and always work selflessly. Cause every small bit you do helps you eventually. Always keep your calm, and do everything without expectations. Your effort pays off, even if not appreciated. But one day, you will feel the need for something small someone always did, and then you will realize how important that person was. It's a team effort always.

You need everyone. Everyone needs you. Life is a game. Play your role. And expect the others to do the same. It's no one’s fault if on a given day, the striker doesn’t score. There is always the next game. But just cause the striker didn’t score, don’t forget to clear that ball off the line, else you not only don’t score, but also concede, and lose the game. Keep your team mates together, it will benefit you a lot in the long run.