The Power of Kept Promises

-Karthik Gurumurthy

There’s an old saying: “A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” I was reminded of this recently when I saw what Sunil Gavaskar did for Jemimah Rodrigues.

After Rodrigues’ incredible unbeaten 127 in India’s record chase of 339 against Australia during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final, Gavaskar made her a promise. He told her that if the team succeeded, he’d sing a duet with her. And he didn’t just make empty words—he followed through in the most thoughtful way possible.

Gavaskar gifted Rodrigues a custom cricket bat-shaped guitar, which she playfully called a “Bat-ar.” When she unboxed it, she joked about whether it was for batting or playing music. Gavaskar’s reply was perfect: it suited her rhythmic batting style. The two then jammed together, and Rodrigues shared the special moment on Instagram, calling it one of the coolest experiences and praising the “Bat-ar.”

What strikes me about this isn’t just the creativity of the gift—it’s what it represents. Keeping promises builds trust and inspiration. It shows integrity through action, not just words. When someone follows through, especially in such a public and joyful way, it creates a ripple effect. It spreads positivity, motivates others to honor their own commitments, and demonstrates the power of mentorship across generations.

Kept promises have the power to transform lives. They boost confidence, create lasting memories, and show people they matter. For Rodrigues, this wasn’t just about a guitar—it was about being seen, valued, and celebrated by someone she admires.

As the saying goes: “Don’t be afraid to celebrate a promise when kept. In doing so, you’re embracing the potential for a better world. Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.”

What I love about this story is how it reflects a broader truth about sports figures who champion athletes beyond their primary arena. Whether it’s music, art, or other pursuits, when mentors provide inspiration, resources, or direct involvement, they’re investing in holistic development. They’re saying: “You’re more than your performance on the field. Your passions matter. You matter.”

That’s the kind of goodness worth spreading—and the kind of promise worth keeping.