Karthik Ganeshan
Circa 2007
The first time a T-20 World Cup tournament was unveiled.
The T-20 format was proving successful (which would lead to the biggest money spinner for cricket, the IPL, being launched in 2008), and here was a chance for the Indian Cricket team to prove its worth in this format too.
But the atmosphere in which the team was wrapped in was one of uncertainty and despondency.
With Rahul Dravid relinquishing captaincy, the issue of who would lead the team in the T20 tournament was looming large.
Stalwarts in team like Sachin, Ganguly, and Dravid choose to give the tournament a miss.
A young team was put together to represent the nation and the leadership mantle fell on a young wicketkeeper who responded to the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
For the billion fans of cricket in India, their world looked.
Brittle - Will they be able to rely on this team to bring laurels to the country and make every cricket lover proud?
Anxious - The young team with many a new face did not exactly evoke positive gut feelings.
Non-linear - Would the efforts of the team yield results? Will it set the foundation for a solid team in the future?
Incomprehensible - Untested leadership, new format..no precedent to go by, the outlook was unclear and gloomy.
The way things unfolded subsequently is now well known.
The first match against Scotland was washed out owing to rains. The second match against arch-rivals Pakistan saw India snatch a spectacular 5-run victory. The team grew from strength to strength and ended up winning the T20 Cup.
Circa 2022
As the world seems to be recovering from the battle against Covid but is grappling with other issues like wars, inflation, food shortages, and political flashpoints, the atmosphere is again one that is Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible. And companies are increasingly leaning toward CFOs to help them tide through these difficult times.
CFOs are now
- Expected to play a more proactive role in enabling change in the company.
- Take the lead on driving long-term performance.
- Embrace digitalization to enable better decision-making and thereby help steer the companies through tough times.
2007 saw MS Dhoni lead the team to victory and provide, over the years, exemplary leadership for the team. 2022 provides the same opportunities to CFO's….will they up their game and seize the opportunity?
I am sure they would…how, when, and how soon?
No idea, but I am sure we are in for exciting times.
CAclubindia
