With almost the world at stake in the cricketing arena, India are in no mood to let the tension get the better of their cricketers.
While the Indian team was busy breaking sweat and going through the motions in Bangalore preparation camp, there was a surprise visitor amongst the boys. South African explorer and adventure traveller, Mike Horn, at the request of Indian coach Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton, was spotted sharing his real life experience with the players.
Drawing on his vast real life experiences, Horn was involved in a pep talk with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and company.
Having worked as a ski instructor, river and canoying guide, Horn has made his mark across the globe for his sheer spirit and determination in adverse situations and the most trying of conditions.
Horn’s tryst with Team India is nothing new as he flied from South Africa to give a pep talk to the players back in 2010 as India trailed South Africa 0-1 in a hastily arranged series. Horn’s impact was immediate as came back strongly in the next Test match at Eden Gardens as the Men in Blue came out with a stupendous performance to level the series.
Be it Sandy Gordon in 2003 or the legendary Rudy Webster in 2007 and now Mike Horn, the trend of seeking help from either sports psychologists or motivational speakers continues with Team India.
But what remains to be seen is can Horn effect bring India “the Cup that matters.”