5 Key similarities between cricket and investments

Cricket is a revered sport across the country. More than a sport, it’s a tradition that is followed religiously in most families, across all age groups. Investing in mutual funds, too, is given a lot of importance for wealth creation, long-term finance planning and to achieve other financial goals. If one draws parallels from the two, besides being a mode of entertainment, the game offers very valuable investment lessons and tips. Read below to know the 5 key similarities between cricket and investments;

Diversity makes you the winner

A balanced team of 11 players has a perfect mix of batsmen, bowlers, fielders and all-rounders. Every player has their own specialisation and hence can perform well during a match. Similarly, your portfolio too, should have a balance of asset classes like mutual funds, debt, gold, cash etc. Instead of just one asset class or more of one asset class and less of other. A well rounded portfolio can perform better with consistency in the market, like a team of 11 on the field.

Know your game right

In a cricket team, players are chosen on the basis of their legacy, current performance, form, track record etc. In the sport of cricket, there are different formats such as a One day test match, 5-day match or a 20 over match. Player selection and strategies, too, depend on the format of the game. Likewise, investing too, has its own formats known as time horizons, namely, short-term, medium-term or long-term. These time-frames critically evaluate the deployment of strategies, tactics and investment products. Different mutual fund schemes too, are based out on the various requirements of investors.

Early the catch, wins the match

In the game of cricket, dropping a catch is synonymous to dropping the World cup. Alternatively, it can also lead to a batsman making a century. While in a match, if the fielder drops a catch and then drops consecutive catches, the opponent team will surely make a victory. On the contrary, if the fielder manages to knock down wickets, it can help his team to win the match. Looking at the similarity between the two fields; investing early in mutual funds helps one to create more wealth, because the later you start; you have to invest more the build the same kind of wealth. This is your catch to create wealth in the long-term.

Play tight, invest right

Now to score more, the batsman has to hit the boundary and deliver a couple of sixes and fours. This does involve risks, but not reckless batting. It’s more like power play; you consistently move the scoreboard to establish a solid foundation. This relies on the players and the format. Similarly in wealth creation too, one cannot make it by just relying on fixed income instruments. Investing in mutual funds is risky but with a well-rounded portfolio and expert guidance, the risk can be mitigated and financial goals can be achieved.

Patience is the best reward

To win a match, it is important to stay in the game. Reckless batting can cost loss of wickets and losing wickets can cost you a match earlier than predicted; so to stay on the pitch it is essential to hit the loose balls hard so you can keep scoring. While for bowling, one needs to patiently understand the right spin and the correct length of the speed. By the same token, mutual funds too require patience. In the earlier stage, an investor may feel the portfolio to be hardly making any progress and could compel you to question on your investments or opt for an alternative route that could lead to a drastic loss in the value of your assets.

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