5 most controversial overseas incidents in Indian cricket

Over the course of India's cricketing history, the team have had a reputation for being ideal visitors. They did not make waves when they went abroad, did not engage in heated moments on the field, and did not win much either.

However, with the emergence of better cricketers and people who did not like taking a backward step, the team gradually became a lot more feisty. That was in the 1970s and 1980s. Although the Indian team have not been involved in as many spats and controversies as some other teams, they have still built up a nice little collection. Here is a look at 5 of the biggest controversies involving the Indian cricket team in overseas tours.

#5 Kapil Dev-Kepler Wessels spat

In 1992, India became the first nation to visit South Africa after they returned from their hiatus and the series was christened the 'Friendship Series'. However, things turned ugly between the two sides during the second one day international. In the game in question, India struggled and were shot out for only 147 in 49.4 overs.

Andrew Hudson and captain Kepler Wessels commenced the run chase. Indian legend Kapil Dev dismissed Hudson early and that brought Peter Kirsten to the crease.

Kirsten had been backing up at the non-striker's end frequently and in the 9th over of the innings, Kapil Dev ran him out. The only problem was, he had not been warned even once but the Indian team stuck with their appeal and Kirsten was sent packing. However, the action had just begun.

Captain Wessels was incensed and proceeded to show his anger by hitting Kapil Dev on the shin with his bat. That made it one of the biggest controversies involving the Indian team on tour and even though Wessels admitted to the offence, he incredibly told the match referee (Clive Lloyd) that he did not hit Kapil on purpose.