In one of the most thrilling finales in Test cricket history, Mohammed Siraj emerged as India’s unlikely hero at The Oval, powering them to a dramatic six‑run win over England to level the series 2‑2. Overcoming England’s final‑day push, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, Siraj claimed key wickets, including Gus Atkinson, propelling India to a narrow victory that will be talked about for ages.
A Wallpaper for the Mind
Before the first ball of Day 5 was bowled, Siraj engaged in a deeply personal ritual. He woke up early and searched for the word 'Believe,' then downloaded an image of it to use as his phone wallpaper. The one that struck a chord was a photo of Cristiano Ronaldo with his index finger pointing upwards at the word 'Believe'. He continued to glance at it throughout until he had reached the ground, telling himself to 'believe' that he could help India secure a notable victory. This simple visual cue anchored his mindset, especially after a costly dropped catch earlier in the series.
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The Power of Visual Manifestation
There’s a reason vision boards, affirmations, and motivational wallpapers work. Our brains are wired to respond to visual cues, especially those tied to personal meaning. Visual manifestation taps into this by keeping a goal or mindset visible and at the front of mind. Here’s how it helps:
- Reinforces belief systems: Recalling a word, such as 'Believe' or 'Fearless' over and over again reprograms self-talk.
- Boosts motivation: Visual cues place your 'why' in the open.
- Builds emotional resilience: In moments of doubt, they act like a mental hug or pep talk.
- Prime performance: Visualisation strategies can improve real-world outcomes, particularly in athletics.
Whether it’s an athlete visualising a perfect shot or a student seeing "You’ve got this” on a sticky note before an exam, the brain responds by shifting from panic to possibility.
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Why Rituals Matter in High-Stakes Sports
Athletes often rely on small rituals to regulate nerves and sharpen focus. Whether it’s a meditation before a big game, a lucky wristband, or time‑fixed breathing routines, these subtle choices help athletes handle pressure and reclaim agency over performance.
Siraj's wallpaper functioned as a one-word mantra. His composure in the face of exhaustion and emotional pressure was a mentality set by intent, not accident.
Bottomline
Whether you’re gearing up for a presentation, an exam, or a life crossroads, your quiet rituals can shape your mental game. Set an intention. Choose a word. Make it visible. Keep looking at it when things get loud. Because sometimes, all it takes is one reminder to believe.