Playing any sport at the international level requires immense strength, both mentally and physically. While physical strength can be measured and observed, mental strength is equally, if not more, necessary. Mental toughness allows players to handle pressure, stay focused, and bounce back from setbacks, and we will look at ten players known for their mental strength.
Steve Waugh
The greatest cricketer of all time, only test captain with a winning ratio of 72%, one of the quotes used by him which is still used by players in this era, ‘Cricket is a battle of the mind as much as it is a physical sport. Mental toughness and self-belief are crucial in achieving success.’ He won 16 consecutive series, a record which is still unbeatable, he also won the 1999 World Cup, the reason can be because of the discipline he put on his team, and the way his team performed under pressure, the credit for his mental strength to never to back down.
Virat Kohli
The G.O.A.T, with over 80 centuries to his name, is known as a run-chase master. He has shown from time to time why bowlers are scared to bowl him, the discipline this guy carries, under his captaincy India was a different test team, they were number 1 team for five consecutive years, he made India a better and a fit squad, who could beat anyone in under condition. It was only possible because of Virat Kohli's never backed down attitude, as he never won an ICC trophy, but he is often considered one of the best captains.
Ben Stokes
One of the best all-rounders this game has to offer, he has always been a symbol of mental resilience in cricket. He has often talked about his mental health. He has taken breaks to focus on his mental health, despite that he has shown from time to time that he can perform under pressure, like in the final of the 2019 World Cup or the Headingley Test, under his captaincy, England has approached a new style of play, and it is helping the way England play now.
Alastair Cook
One of the greatest openers in this game, he has over 12000 runs in his test career, played over 160 test matches, third most by an English player. He was considered to break Sachin's records of scoring most runs in test cricket, but he retired at a tender age of 33 years. His focus and determination to play long innings showed character and also revealed that he was mentally strong enough to stand at the crease for a longer time to help his team.
Brendon McCullum
The former New Zealand captain, one of the most destructive openers, would start bashing bowlers from bowl one, and would keep this intent for most of the match; he was able to put this when he was the captain of New Zealand and they played very exhilarating cricket under his captaincy, they reach the final of 2015 World Cup. He is now playing with this intent as he is the coach of the England test side.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul ‘The Wall’ Dravid, the toughest batter any bowler has faced, Dravid is known for keeping his calm under pressure, and he can concentrate for a longer time on the crease, playing long innings; he always steps up for his team, taking over the captaincy from Sourav Ganguly in a controversial decision, he would change his batting position for the team, coached NCA, U-19, and Indian team, under his coaching India won U-19 World Cup, and T20i World Cup.
Allan Border
With over 18000 runs in international cricket, including 30 centuries, Allan Border took over Australia when they were going through a rough patch, and under his captaincy, Australia won their first World Cup in 1987; he would change the future of Australian cricket; he is the main reason behind the Australia we see today, it was because of his determination and the attitude he gave to his players which was to never to give up, and he is often considered the best captain Australia has ever seen.
Ricky Ponting
One of the greatest batters this country has ever produced, scoring over 27,000 runs and 71 centuries in his career with a test average of 51.85. He is often considered one of the best captains, as he won two World Cups in 2003 and 2007, and he also won the Champions Trophy. The aggressive style of play and the mental toughness he shows to his opponent, which he has demonstrated for years, is one of the main reasons behind his success.
Jacques Kallis
The all-rounder, whose batting stats are compared to Sachin Tendulkar, and his bowling stats are compared to Zaheer Khan, says alot of how good a player he was. The work ethic this guy has shown will always be a testament on how you need to be strong mentally, to achieve that kind of success in both departments. He was always consistent with his performances either with his bat or ball, he scored over 25,000 runs in his international career, scored 62 centuries and took over 550 wickets.
Sourav Ganguly
The Man, The Myth, The Legend. India we see today is because of him, the way he shaped the team, the way India played the aggressive style. As Greg Chappel said, “Ganguly is the Steve Waugh of Mind games.” He was able to change his style and attitude; he had, as he did not fear anyone; he saw a lot of ups and downs in his career, but he didn't give up, as India won the famous Australian series, reaching the 2003 World Cup and 2000 ICC Champions Trophy, and won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy.
