In the game of Cricket, the phrase “benefit of doubt goes to the batter” is as much a gentleman’s code as it is a decision-making thumb-rule.
_ While the game itself has now blossomed or grown to no longer be just for the gentlemen, but now is played by all gender is a testimony to the growth of the game, and while there are certain ungentlemanly incidents, rapport, behaviour in the game, and surrounding the game._
Nevertheless, when the umpire cannot conclusively determine whether the batter was out, the batter is given the benefit of the doubt. So as to say, “Go on, continue batting”.
I think it’s a principle rooted in fairness. And yet, outside cricket, we often forget to carry this simple, elegant rule into our daily lives.
We judge too quickly. We assume intent where none is proven. We pronounce verdicts with incomplete evidence. Imagine if we gave people around us the same grace the umpire gives a batter, edged in uncertainty. A friend who hasn’t replied in days. A co-worker who snapped in a meeting. A stranger who cut the queue. The boss who shouted at you. Or you are in a conversation with someone new, or in the thick of an argument. Our reflex is often to defend, correct, rebut, “mansplain”. We hear a phrase we don't like or a tone that is off, etc., What if we, instead of reacting with accusation, or acting on assumption, what if we paused and offered… the benefit of doubt?
It is a subtle shift, but powerful:
- Instead of “How rude”, we think, “Maybe they’re overwhelmed”
- Instead of “They’re avoiding me”, we say, “Maybe they are going through something”
- Instead of “They don’t get it”, we say, “Maybe I didnt explain it well”
That is not to imply that we excuse bad behaviour or just remain passive, but perhaps we choose to believe the best until we know the worst. I think it is an act of generosity, choosing empathy before evidence. It also means that there is an opportunity to respond when there is evidence.
Does it resonate or are you giving me the benefit of the doubt?