8 instances when naturally calm cricketers lost their cool
Dravids first and only tryst with on-field angerCricket was considered to be a gentleman's game, but with time, the game has evolved. Long gone are the days of British stoicism, when cricket was a game played in whites and only between high teas.The game has become more competitive and players have become more persevering, which sometimes leads to an outburst of emotion. Andwhile that is the case for most cricketers nowadays, there is still a rare breed of 'gentlemen' who manage to be calm even under the most trying circumstances.These playersdo not let their emotions show and are mostly considered to be sportsmen of mild and dignified demeanour.But sometimes, even people who are usually the pictureof calmness, lose their head. Here is a look at eight such instances when naturally calm cricketers lost their cool:
#1 Rahul Dravid lost his cool with Shoaib Akhtar
Rahul Dravid is one such cricketer who probably re-defines the meaning of being a gentleman. A huge ambassador for the sport, Dravid has hardly been known to crumble under pressure of let his nerves of steel to falter.
However, even The Wall found it hard to control his emotions against the Pakistan team, which is always a high-octane match. During the Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan on 19th September 2004, there was a verbal fight between Rahul Dravid and Shoaib Akhtar.
Having just been hit for a boundary by Dravid, Akthar was charged up. He was trying to slightly provoke the batsman, as is the norm with fast bowlers.
Dravid after finishing the first run unintentionally ran into Shoaib, who was also ball-watching. The speedster was livid and made himself heard as he said something to Dravid. What happened next was completely unexpected. Instead of walking away, which is his usual reaction, Dravid walked up to the bowler to find out what was bothering him and gave him a mouthful.
Seeing that the quiet batsman had been provoked, skipper Inzamam ul Haq and the umpire sorted out the matter.