Selfishness Comes from Short-Term Thinking
Selflessness Gives More Reward in Long-Term
You're three runs away from a century in a high-stakes IPL match. The crowd is roaring, your name is on everyone's lips, and history is within reach. But instead of chasing personal glory, you step aside and let your team take center stage.
That's exactly what Shreyas Iyer did today, March 25, in an IPL showdown between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. Finishing unbeaten on 97, he put the team ahead of his milestone—and that decision sparked a bigger conversation.
Selfishness thrives on short-term thinking. Selflessness, with its long-term perspective, builds something greater.
The Story
At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Punjab Kings took on Gujarat Titans, with Iyer leading from the front. The Kings got off to a fiery start, thanks to debutant Priyansh Arya’s 47 off 23 balls. But the middle order faltered, losing wickets in quick succession.
Enter Iyer.
His 97* off 42 balls, laced with five fours and nine sixes, anchored the innings and pushed Punjab Kings to a daunting total. But the real moment of the match came in the final over.
Iyer was three runs away from a century, but his partner, Shashank Singh, was in full flow. Rather than nudging for singles to reclaim the strike, Iyer let Shashank keep swinging. The result? Punjab Kings finished at 243/5, and the cricketing world was left talking about Iyer’s unselfish call.
Selfishness Comes from Short-Term Thinking
Selfishness feeds on immediate gratification—whether it's chasing a century, seeking individual credit, or prioritizing quick wins over lasting success.
Iyer could have forced the strike back to himself for those final three runs. It would’ve been understandable. A century in the IPL is a career-defining moment. But he saw the bigger picture. Breaking Shashank’s rhythm for personal gain might have cost the team runs, maybe even the match.
It’s not just a sports thing. In meetings, people withhold ideas to steal the spotlight. In teams, some chase recognition over results. It might work short-term, but it erodes trust in the long run. Iyer’s decision reminds us that real strength lies in resisting the urge for instant rewards.
Selflessness Pays Off Over Time
Iyer’s choice gave him something bigger than a century—it earned him respect.
Fans flooded social media, calling him a “selfless leader” and “team player.” That reputation lasts longer than a milestone. A century would’ve been a statistic. This decision? A defining moment.
For his team, the impact was even greater. When a leader puts the group first, it sets a tone. Iyer’s teammates saw him prioritize the win over personal records. That builds trust, and trust fuels teams through tough seasons.
This isn’t just cricket. A manager who takes a pay cut to keep employees on board earns long-term loyalty. A CEO who shares credit strengthens company culture. Selflessness builds something selfishness never can—deep, lasting value.
Selfishness Stems from Survival Instincts
It’s easy to judge selfishness, but often, it’s just survival mode.
Had Iyer been struggling for runs, with his spot under scrutiny, would the temptation to grab that century have been stronger? Probably. Pressure triggers self-preservation.
We all feel it. In uncertain times, people hoard resources instead of investing in relationships. They protect their own success at the expense of collective growth. But short-term security can lead to long-term isolation. The real challenge is recognizing when self-interest is a reflex—not a necessity.
Selflessness Has Emotional Payoffs Too
Beyond strategy, selflessness just feels good.
Iyer’s century would have brought personal satisfaction. But watching his teammate shine, knowing he made the right call for the team, likely hit even deeper.
You see this everywhere. Helping a colleague, investing time in relationships, supporting someone without expecting credit—it pays off in ways numbers can’t measure.
This Pattern Shows Up Everywhere
This dynamic plays out beyond sports.
A manager forgoes a personal bonus to invest in the team.
A partner in an argument chooses listening over being right.
A parent sacrifices comfort today for a child’s future.
Iyer’s decision was just another example of the same principle: short-term sacrifices often lead to bigger, long-term rewards.
Understand Your Instincts to Act with Intention
Selflessness starts with self-awareness.
Our brains are wired for quick dopamine hits—getting credit, hitting milestones, winning today. But long-term success belongs to those who can zoom out and ask, “What’s the bigger play here?”
Iyer’s brain probably screamed, “Go for the century!” But he paused. Saw the bigger picture. And made the right call.
We all get these moments. Next time you’re tempted to grab the credit or chase a short-term win, take a step back. The long game is where the real wins are.