Why now? vs., When now?

The ‘70s and ‘80s Indian cricket was a duopoly – Gavaskar and Kapil. While both had several similar achievements, there was a distinctive difference starting their final years.

In his finale, Gavaskar shone brightest. His best test knock of 96 came against a marauding Pak attack on a sticky Bangalore wicket in his last innings.  His only ODI century (off 88 balls!) came in his penultimate innings. When he finally quit, most asked, “Why now?” Years later, he quipped: he “owed it”.

Kapil was a pale shadow. In his last 2 test years, no 5-wicket hauls and 1 century. ODIs were far worse. India’s best ever test bowler hung on to break Hadlee’s record. The pacy Srinath and the swingy Prabhakar kept praying with most of us, “When now?” for his retirement.

The gap widened post.

Gavaskar’s goodwill earned more opportunities. A successful broadcaster and administrator. Kapil kept losing. He was an unsuccessful coach, businessman (“ICL”) and broadcaster.

In a mobile, wealth hungry job market – Gavaskar’s values are forgotten. Your last days are remembered and the goodwill gained then define your next innings.

One of our key values at OfBusiness has been to demonstrate commitment and loyalty to the finale. We persuade all to leave on a high when people think, “Why now?”