Being an ardent cricket fan, I can’t help but see an uncanny similarity between the trajectory of the West Indies cricket team and the Indian National Congress.

Both were once dominant forces—West Indies in cricket and Congress in Indian politics. But today, both struggles to remain relevant, largely because they failed to adapt to changing times. Their fall from grace has been slow yet undeniable, marked by leadership crises, stagnation and an inability to retain their best talent.

Their decline offers valuable lessons and if they wish to reclaim their lost glory, they must first acknowledge their mistakes and take bold corrective measures.

From the early 1970s to the mid-1990s, they dominated cricket like no other team had before. Their fast bowlers were ruthless, their batsmen were explosive and their aura of invincibility was unmatched.

When teams faced the West Indies, they knew they were in for a battle they were unlikely to win. Captains lost sleep thinking about how to deal with the raw pace of Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner.

Batsmen prayed to survive the hostility of Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose. Opposing bowlers, on the other hand, knew that once Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge or Clive Lloyd got going, there was no stopping them. Victory was not just a possibility for the West Indies -- it was an expectation.

But fast forward to today and the story is entirely different. The once-mighty West Indies could not even qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. They struggle in bilateral series, lack stability in their leadership, and often seem unsure of their direction.

The players are talented, but the team lacks the structure and discipline that once made them great. While other nations invested in development programs, strong domestic competitions and professional management, the West Indies seemed to lose their way.

West Indies cricket is caught in a tough cycle. Boardroom conflicts, lack of financial muscle and the lure of more lucrative opportunities elsewhere have made it hard to retain top talent. Young cricketers see franchise T20 leagues........

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