The Indian cricket dressing room has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments, from playful pranks to tactical brilliance. Stories of camaraderie, humorous exchanges, and strong leadership reveal the lighter side of cricket. Key incidents, like motivational speeches and friendly banter, highlight the team’s unity, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
9. When Sachin decided to don the motivator’s hat
During the 2003 World Cup final against Australia, facing a daunting target of 359, the Indian dressing room was filled with tension. At halftime, Sachin Tendulkar presented a strategic approach: aim for a boundary every over, which would accumulate 200 runs in 50 balls, leaving 160 to chase in 250 balls. Though India ultimately lost the match, Tendulkar’s tactical brilliance and optimism were evident. This inspiring story, later shared by Harsha Bhogle at IIM, showcases the spirit and resilience of the Indian team.
8. Sachin after scoring his century at Multan, In 2004
In the 2004 Multan Test, Sachin Tendulkar was left stunned and disappointed when stand-in captain Rahul Dravid declared the Indian innings with Tendulkar just six runs shy of a double century. Despite his frustration, Tendulkar kept his composure, avoiding any public outburst but reportedly telling Dravid to “leave him alone.” The incident, one of Indian cricket’s most debated dressing room moments, led to apologies from John Wright and Sourav Ganguly, who later expressed regret for the decision.
7. Yuvi to open?? You are kidding me!!
During the 2001 NatWest Trophy, Sourav Ganguly playfully tested newcomer Yuvraj Singh’s nerves by asking if he would open the innings the next day. Anxious and nervous, Yuvraj agreed, spending the night worrying about the challenge. The following day, as Yuvraj began padding up, Ganguly and others burst into laughter, revealing it was a joke and telling him to bat 4th instead. This light-hearted prank showcased the camaraderie and fun atmosphere in the Indian dressing room.
6. A Prank on the Captain
On April Fool’s Day, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh pulled off a memorable prank on Sourav Ganguly. They created a fake news article claiming Ganguly had criticized their attitude and behavior in the dressing room. Armed with the fabricated report, they “confronted” him in front of vice-captain Rahul Dravid. Shocked and confused, Ganguly defended himself, insisting he hadn’t made those comments. The prank was revealed when Dravid, who had known all along, burst out laughing. This playful incident highlighted the lighter side of the Indian dressing room dynamics.
5. Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary gets the World Cup
Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, the iconic and passionate Sachin Tendulkar fan, experienced a moment of a lifetime during India’s 2011 World Cup victory. After the win, Sachin invited Sudhir into the Indian dressing room to celebrate. He then asked Zaheer Khan to bring the World Cup, shook hands with Sudhir, hugged him, and even allowed him to lift the trophy. This heartwarming gesture from Sachin highlighted his humility and generosity, creating an unforgettable moment for Sudhir and his fans around the world.
4. When Dawood decided to visit the Indian dressing room
In a shocking turn of events, notorious Indian gangster Dawood Ibrahim gained access to the Indian cricket team’s dressing room during their 1986 tour to Sharjah. He allegedly offered the players cars if they could defeat Pakistan in the upcoming match, a claim revealed by Dilip Vengsarkar in a press conference. The encounter was swiftly ended when then-captain Kapil Dev asked Dawood to leave, ensuring the team’s focus remained on the game and preserving its integrity.
3. When John Wright grabbed Sehwag’s collar
During the 2002 NatWest Trophy, Virender Sehwag was in superb form but often got out playing reckless shots. Indian coach John Wright, frustrated by Sehwag’s approach, warned Rahul Dravid, “If he gets out to one more bad shot, I’m going to have a go at him.” In the next match, Sehwag fell playing one of his signature shots, and Wright, keeping his promise, grabbed Sehwag by the collar and scolded him. Sehwag, displaying great sportsmanship, didn’t overreact. Rahul Dravid later praised Wright, recognizing that the coach’s actions were motivated by a genuine desire for the team’s success.
2. Farokh Engineer – Out on a Duck
In 1971, Farokh Engineer and Sunil Gavaskar were selected to open for the Rest of the World team against Australia. Despite being a debutant, Gavaskar was chosen, and Engineer, the senior player, jokingly warned him, “Don’t get out for a duck, as the walk back to the pavilion is the longest you’ll ever experience here in Melbourne.” Ironically, Engineer was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, leaving Gavaskar to chuckle at the turn of events.
1. MS Dhoni was often bullied in the dressing room
In his early years, MS Dhoni was often belittled by senior players, with Yuvraj Singh frequently mocking him, calling him “Bihari” and dismissing his ability to hit fours and sixes. Yuvraj even downplayed Dhoni’s match-winning knocks, stating that Test cricket was the true measure of a player’s worth. Frustrated by the constant criticism, Dhoni finally snapped and asked, “Why are you always so angry?” This moment broke the tension between them, helping forge a stronger bond and friendship.
