Fighting and Conquering My Evil Side of Brain

 An experience where I overcame my negative Self

I have been involved in professional cricket since I was 11. Most of the players in India love batting. Many of them love bowling. But personally, I love fielding more than these two departments in cricket. I love the athleticism and thrills involved in fielding. Since I got in my senses, I idolised Suresh Raina as my favourite fielder. In fielding sessions, I use to copy his diving style. Fielding came naturally to me. Since beginning I have been a gun fielder.

Fast forward to 2019, we were in a match where I dropped two regular catches that I used to take with ease in practice sessions. Fews days later, I dropped two more. I was shattered, felt mentally down.

I realised it was not the skill that made me drop those easy catches, it was my mind. Whenever the ball went high in the air, my negative mind used to demotivate me that what if I drop this, I won't be able to take it, this and that. I was thinking too much of the failure that I was unable to focus on the present.

Next day on practice I was fully focused on improving this thing. I had a fight with the evil side of my brain. I made sure I win against all the negative thoughts going on in my head. 

From the next game, I changed everything about my mindset while fielding. I was only focusing on the ball and reacting to it. I knew the skill was there, just the psychological aspect needs to be improved. I was not thinking of anything else. I removed all the fear of failure from my head. I tried hard to remain in the moment and not think of anything else. 

I came out successful in this hurdle. My conversion rate for taking catches remained above 95% after that failure phase. That failure was also important to make me aware about my wrong mindset. Now, I can proudly say, I don't drop many catches and am able to express the best I can perform.

This was a lesson for all those who are losing against themselves inside their heads. If you believe yourself, you cand do it. Chin up, fight against your negative side and come out as a winner.