Grand Victories; Brand Victories

India has just scored a massive Test series victory over the formidable Australia, in Australia. While this victory is grand, the young players who achieved it have also created history. Just because you are young and new does not mean that you cannot succeed. You can – if you have the right intent, the right strategy, and perfect execution.

Just like these young cricketers, who are new and lacked international Test match experience, young brands can also be victorious against big and experienced competitors. This is possible if they compete with the right skill, the right will, and, above all, with dil (heart).

In fact, in this Test match, while one of the Australian bowlers was playing in his 100th Test match, a few of the young Indian cricketers were playing in their first Test match. Whether it be Shardul Thakur, Shubman Gill, Natarajan, Siraj, Washington Sundar, or Vihari, these young players played with their mind and heart, skill and will, and dil to win India a great victory.

Not only did the young players fight and win, but they were also led by a new Test captain, Ajinkya Rahane, who, with positive intent, led by example.

Similarly, new young brands like Swiggy, Zomato, Cred, and Uber, along with many others, are winning in the marketplace. They have shown positive intent and are able to bring out their ability with will, skill, and dil.

Many of these brands have become unicorns, with valuations exceeding $1 billion and growing rapidly. This clearly shows that it does not matter whether you are young or old. What truly matters is having a brand marketing strategy that is appropriate and relevant, combined with perfect execution.

Whether it be young cricketers or young brands, there can be grand victories. Today, one gets a level playing field, giving opportunities to both the young and the experienced, as well as the new and the old. It is important to understand that, be it a cricketer or a brand, the relevant strategy will make you grow.

Experience is important; but so is exposure. And so is expertise. But excellence is the most important attribute. Excellence can come from someone who is young and new or someone who is experienced and old. Age is no longer a factor for success and victory.

What truly matters is application of mind, relevant brand strategy, intensity, and the will and intent to win. The examples of the new young brands in India, as well as the latest grand victory of the young Indian cricket players, clearly reflect that if you have the desire and aspire to grow and win, victory can be yours. You can achieve grand victories, and you can achieve brand victories.

Whether in brand building or cricket, one must understand that the task at hand is critical and that relevant adaptation to playing conditions or market conditions is essential.

• In cricket and branding, sometimes you need to be slow and patient.
• At other times, you need to be fast and aggressive.
• Adaptability is an important trait for winning.

In the series against Australia, India won the T20 series but lost the One-Day series. However, they were determined to win the Test series. One must not forget that, in one of the innings, the Indian team was bundled out for their lowest-ever score of just 36.

But they rose like a phoenix from the ashes, showed determination, and ultimately won the series. Many so-called experts from the international cricketing fraternity had given up on this young new Indian team. But the young Indian team did not give up on themselves.

Similarly, in brand building, you may start slow, face competition and difficulties, and even feel low at times. But if your strategy is appropriate and your execution is precise, at the end of the day, you may lose a match but win the series. You could lose the battle but win the war of brands.

In today’s world, whether you are a young and new cricketer or a young and new brand, you need to meet challenges fearlessly, have confidence in your own ability, and have faith in your objectives.

For grand victories and brand victories, you need to work, play, and market as a team. Every team member needs to contribute, and the most important element in achieving grand victories and brand victories is a combination of courage and the ability to encourage.

In 2021, young and new players—whether on the cricket field or in the marketing field—need not worry about how many years of experience they have. Experience is important, but application of mind and heart, relevant strategy, adaptability, and excellent execution will lead to grand victories and brand victories.

I wish all the best to the young and new India, taking on the world in every field, including cricket and brand marketing. With over 555 million young people in India, the future indeed is bright.