'Discipline is the golden rule...'

Cricketer, captain, and now a committed entrepreneur, Ajinkya Rahane’s journey has been defined by discipline and conviction

- Nichola Marie

You have captained the Indian team in all formats, leading with calm and consistency, losing only one match under your leadership. What do you attribute this success to?

For me, leadership is about genuinely connecting with your teammates — not just in terms of performance on the field, but also understanding what motivates them off it. A good leader, in my opinion, is someone who supports others through every situation, shows empathy, and genuinely cares about the well-being of the team.

I try to set an example by having one-on-one interactions with the players. Such honest conversations help build trust and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and performing with confidence. I also encourage my team members to support each other by spending time with those who may be struggling. This helps them in encouraging others to up their game.

At the heart of it, leadership for me is about trust, unity, and helping people bring out their best — both as players and as individuals.

From the cricket pitch to the boardroom — how has your experience as a professional athlete shaped your approach to entrepreneurship?