At GNLU’s 16th Convocation, CJI Justice Surya Kant used a T20 cricket analogy to stress that the legal profession rewards specialization, not mediocrity. He also highlighted integrity, apprenticeship training, and bridging the academia-practice gap to strengthen public trust in the justice system.
At the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) held in Gandhinagar on February 28, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant delivered a powerful and practical message to young law graduates. Using a simple but striking comparison with T20 cricket, he advised students to identify their strengths early and build their careers around them instead of trying to become average at everything.
Addressing the graduating batch, the CJI said that the legal profession does not reward people who attempt to handle every field equally. He explained that real success comes when a lawyer understands where he or she truly belongs in the profession and then works consistently in that direction.
He said,
“The legal profession rarely rewards those who attempt to do everything equally,”
reminding students that focused expertise creates long-term recognition and respect.
The convocation ceremony took place at a time when the Indian legal system is facing serious challenges. With more than 1.7 million enrolled lawyers across the country and over 50 million pending cases, there is a clear need for efficiency and domain expertise.
While India has a large number of advocates, there is still a shortage of specialists in areas such as arbitration, intellectual property law, environmental law, cyber law, and technology-related disputes. The CJI’s speech directly addressed this gap and highlighted the importance of specialization in strengthening the justice delivery system.
To make his advice relatable, Justice Surya Kant referred to India’s love for T20 cricket. Drawing from recent cricketing success and the national passion for the format, he said,
“Referring to T20 cricket, he remarked that no one expects Surya Kumar Yadav to bowl the death overs or Jasprit Bumrah to anchor a batting chase,”
and further clarified his analogy with the words:
“No one expects Suryakumar Yadav to bowl the death overs, or Bumrah to anchor a chase. They are trusted to do precisely what they do best, and the team is built around that clarity.”
By using this example, the CJI explained that just like cricket teams rely on players who perform specific roles, the legal profession also needs clarity of roles. A lawyer who is strong in constitutional litigation, arbitration, taxation, or corporate law should develop that strength rather than trying to appear equally capable in all areas. According to him, building a career without direction can lead to confusion and mediocrity.
He then directly addressed the graduates and said,
“My dear graduates, where you belong in this profession is a question worth confronting early, because it rarely rewards those who attempt everything equally.”
He made it clear that this understanding does not happen instantly. It develops slowly through experience, self-reflection, and practical exposure.
The CJI also spoke about how true specialization grows quietly over time. He observed that many successful lawyers build their identity gradually.
In his words,
“recognise, often quietly and over time, where their thinking finds its natural discipline.”
This, he explained, is how professional identity is formed. A lawyer becomes known for a particular subject area, and that identity creates credibility in courts and among clients.
Justice Surya Kant also addressed the common concern of fresh law graduates—the gap between what they learn in classrooms and what they experience in courtrooms. He said that early practice exposes
“the gap between academic learning and professional realities.”
According to him, academic education provides the theoretical base, but practice demands discipline, responsibility, and the ability to perform under pressure. Courtrooms involve real clients, strict deadlines, ethical dilemmas, and unpredictable situations that textbooks cannot fully prepare students for.
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To explain this transition, he used another simple expression and said that it is like
“learning the map and navigating the territory .”
Law school teaches the map, but real practice requires navigating the actual ground, where challenges are complex and dynamic.
The CJI highlighted that much of a lawyer’s hard work remains invisible. Drafting, research, preparing case strategy, meeting clients, and studying precedents often go unnoticed. However, these efforts form the foundation of successful arguments and long-term reputation. He reminded the graduates that “much of a lawyer’s work remains unseen and uncelebrated.” Recognition, he explained, may take years to come.
He further emphasized patience by stating that
“frequently precedes recognition by years.”
In other words, consistent effort may not bring immediate fame or rewards. Young lawyers must accept that growth in the legal profession is slow and requires perseverance.
Another important part of his speech focused on ethics and integrity. Justice Surya Kant underlined that public trust in the legal system depends heavily on the conduct of lawyers. He stated,
“Public trust in the legal profession depends on the integrity and consistency of those who practise law.”
Every professional decision—whether related to fees, client confidentiality, conflict of interest, or courtroom behavior—contributes to strengthening or weakening that trust.
In today’s environment, where public confidence in institutions is closely watched, the CJI’s emphasis on ethical foundations is significant. He reminded students that credibility is built slowly and lost quickly. Lawyers must act responsibly, not only for personal success but also for the health of the justice system.
The CJI also spoke about reforming legal education in India. He supported the idea of a stronger apprenticeship model, where students gain hands-on experience under senior lawyers and judges. He suggested that law students should learn practical skills along with theory.
According to him, there must be “an apprenticeship-oriented approach,” where students learn “not only about the law but within the profession.” This model, he indicated, can reduce the shock that young lawyers face when they enter actual practice.
In recent years, institutions and regulators like the Bar Council of India have introduced reforms such as mandatory internships and skill-based courses. However, the CJI’s remarks suggest that more practical exposure and mentorship are still needed to bridge the academia-practice gap effectively.
Although the speech does not create any binding legal precedent, it carries strong moral and professional authority. As the head of the judiciary, Justice Surya Kant’s words send a clear message to law schools, law firms, and young advocates. His call for specialization, professional identity, ethical foundations, and perseverance aligns with broader judicial reforms aimed at improving efficiency in the justice delivery system.
India is currently undergoing major criminal law reforms with the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other new codes. In such times, skilled and specialized lawyers are essential to ensure smooth implementation and proper interpretation of new laws. Expert advocacy can reduce delays, improve the quality of arguments, and help courts deliver faster justice.
Towards the end of his address, the CJI invoked ancient Indian wisdom from the Taittiriya Upanishad and reminded the graduates of their moral responsibility. He quoted: “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara ” (Speak truth, Walk in righteousness) . Through this, he reinforced that success in law is not only about skill but also about character.
In conclusion, Justice Surya Kant’s convocation speech at Gujarat National Law University was not just ceremonial advice but a practical roadmap for young lawyers. By using the simple example of T20 cricket, he explained the importance of specialisation, clarity of role, ethical practice, patience, and professional identity.
His message was clear: do not try to be average in everything. Identify your strength, work on it consistently, maintain integrity, and build public trust. For India’s next generation of lawyers, the guidance from the Chief Justice serves as both inspiration and responsibility as they step into the demanding but honorable profession of law.
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