Striving Towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

There’s a difference between being talented and being trusted, and yesterday’s conversation reminded me exactly why that difference matters.

I was watching a conversation between Ashwin and PDogg on the R Ashwin YouTube channel, where they spoke about Ben Stokes, and it left a real impression on me. PDogg spoke about what a committed cricketer Stokes was, someone who gave everything for the team’s win, and shared some personal stories from their time together at the Rising Pune Supergiants back in 2017.

Ashwin, on the other hand, spoke with a quiet sadness about seeing such a talented, hardworking player let go. There was a real sense of disappointment in his voice, a feeling that so much talent hadn’t been given the chance to be fully utilized. But what struck me most was when Ashwin spoke about character, and how vital it becomes as you step into positions of greater responsibility. He talked about how people look up to the stalwarts of the game, not just for their skill, but for who they are when no one’s watching.

And honestly, Ashwin was completely spot-on. So often, we get caught up in the glamour of fame and success, chasing what looks impressive on the outside. But Ashwin reminded me that character is what truly extends a career. It’s what makes someone worthy of being looked up to, especially when you step into a role like captaincy, where your actions quietly shape everyone around you. @rashwin99