ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: Psychological Determinants Of Performance

iSporter and Sports Psychologist Dr. Chaitanya Sridhar tries to explain the psychological requirements from a team to win the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

As the World Cup (WC) fire catches on, speculation of India's chance is one of the most debated topics. What surprises me is the expectation placed on the team at every cricketing event no matter how the team has been performing. No wonder the Indian cricket fan is often called 'Schizophrenic' displaying a constant love-hate relationship with their demi-Gods!

The aim of this article is to highlight the major psychological determinants crucial for performance as 'Psychological Edge' is mantra in today's sporting world! Nevertheless, I'd like to ascertain that peak performance is a combination of physical and mental skills.

The idea for this article sprung mainly from the obsessive attention on Sachin and what might be his last WC. Guess, I might be hurting popular sentiment here but one needs to be honest while writing an article! With all respect to the great player and to all his fans, this attention is unwarranted. From a professional view point, this would be adding a lot more pressure on the master-batsmen! Personally, I feel it is unfair to be neglecting the rest of the team- especially since we are talking of Cricket which happens to be a team game.

So, what essentially are the main psychological determinants of performance? According to the Arousal Theory, performance is at its best when anxiety levels are in the middle or at the optimum level. The tremendous pressure we place on our team to win obviously shoots up the anxiety level of the team. Of course one can argue that the players are paid so well and they ought to manage anxiety at the elite level. Each player has his or her strategy to deal with pressure but we need to remember that it may not be possible at every juncture. The least we can do is not to add to the existing anxiety and pressure!

One glance at the newspaper or any website and we can see the dissection of the team, and numerous experts giving suggestions. Albeit, many may be helpful but the question to be asked is - whether it is the right time to be providing advice? Information over-load is not what a player seeks at this juncture.

In fact, it is very essential to learn to 'switch-on and switch-off' from the game which would be difficult for Indian players while playing in India as everyone talks, eats and breathes cricket. A player performs to his best when he is in his 'Zone' or 'Flowing' when he is in his Ideal Zone. What works for one player may not work for another- for example, Aggression may be good for players like Sreesanth and Harbhajan but may not suit a calmer player. It is possible to be in the Zone when there is less chatter of the conscious mind and hence it is more in sync with the sub-conscious mind. This is in turn means that mind needs to be rested while not playing ('switch-off').

Focusing attention on something entirely different such as 'Golf' or 'Beach Volleyball' would help cricketers. This 'switching off' is especially needed after a bad loss or game because we tend to remember things that have happened 'most recently'. This is one of the reasons why players get into a slump after one or two bad matches and why it is difficult to get out of one. The mind should constantly be fed with 'good memories or best performances' as what we think is what happens (Imagery)! Moreover, this could explain why many a times the team has 'bounced back' when they were written off. 'Give it the best' attitude can do wonders to the state of mind and the game.

The other thing is the more we see images of the 'Cup' and India winning, public begin to expect it to happen. It's all great if India performs well but then when they don't, there is a discrepancy between what was expected (from fans) and the outcome. This explains the extreme irritation, disillusion and angst displayed on the team. This process of persuading or influencing indirectly is what is called subliminal persuasion. We have seen innumerable instances of different forms of targeting players when they have under performed. They range from verbal volleys, burning player effigies and even vandalization of player's houses. Even Sachin's effigy was not spared. I hope readers are following what I'm trying to get at!   In addition, too much emphasis on winning puts tremendous pressure on players as well.

Sports Research has revealed focusing on performance goals yield better results than focusing on outcome alone. E.g., run a ball approach than thinking of total score of 320. It goes without saying that 'managing nerves' is essential for focus - especially with all the noise in the sub-continent stadiums. All said and done, it's not the team with the best players that always wins but the team that can work together that wins. In this regard communication is vital especially between the Coach, Captain and teammates. Staying together is best assured when there is fun and players enjoy each others company. Senior players, who are more adept at dealing with stress and pressure, might be able to guide the younger ones to stay calm and perform to their potential.

When the Team is a united cohesive unit, players do not seek support networks outside (which is rarely available while traveling). The Coach, Senior or Teammate may be the best counselor- a reassuring word or a pat on the shoulder can do wonders. This interaction and support also helps in 'venting-out' through proper channels, as 'pent-up' frustration is sure to 'leak-out' at inappropriate junctures causing much distress to the player and probably the team.

So, the next time we see the team trying to socialize a little or letting lose a little after a bad game, let's not make a big deal of it- they need to go 'all out' in the next game. Performance of any form requires focus, belief to succeed a clear mind and also enjoy what they are doing!

May the best playing team win! Chak De India!