“9 Dressing Room Secrets of Indian Cricket” highlights unforgettable moments, from intense arguments and inspiring leadership to lighthearted pranks and budding friendships. These tales reveal the emotions, humor, and resilience that define the Indian cricket team, offering fans a unique perspective on the lives of their favorite players off the field.
9. When Sachin decided to don the motivator’s hat
During the 2003 World Cup final against Australia, with a daunting target of 359, tension filled the Indian dressing room. At halftime, Sachin Tendulkar addressed the team with an inspiring strategy: aim for a boundary every over, yielding 200 runs from 50 balls, leaving 160 to chase in 250 balls—making the task seem achievable. Despite India losing the match, Tendulkar’s approach demonstrated his tactical brilliance and optimism. This story, later recounted by Harsha Bhogle at IIM, highlights the spirit and resilience of the Indian team.
8. Sachin after scoring his century at Multan, 2004
In the 2004 Multan Test, Sachin Tendulkar was left stunned and hurt when stand-in captain Rahul Dravid declared the Indian innings with Tendulkar just six runs short of a double century. Despite his disappointment, Tendulkar maintained his composure, refraining from creating a scene, though he reportedly yelled at Dravid to “leave him alone.” Later, John Wright and Sourav Ganguly apologized to Tendulkar for the incident, which remains one of Indian cricket’s most debated dressing room moments.
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. Yuvraj, though anxious, agreed, spending a sleepless 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 instructing him to bat 4th down instead. This light-hearted moment highlighted the camaraderie in the Indian dressing room.
6. A Prank on the Captain
On April Fool’s Day, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh played a memorable prank on Sourav Ganguly. They fabricated a fake news article quoting Ganguly as criticizing their attitude and behavior in the dressing room. Armed with the report, they “confronted” Ganguly in front of vice-captain Rahul Dravid. Shocked and confused, Ganguly tried to defend himself, insisting he had never made such comments. The ruse was revealed when Dravid burst out laughing, knowing it was a prank all along. This playful incident showcased 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, had a moment of a lifetime during India’s 2011 World Cup victory. After the win, Sachin called Sudhir into the Indian dressing room to join in the celebrations. 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 showcased his humility and generosity, making it an unforgettable moment for Sudhir and fans worldwide.
4. When Dawood decided to visit the Indian dressing room
In a shocking turn of events, the infamous Indian gangster Dawood Ibrahim gained access to the Indian cricket team’s dressing room during their 1986 tour to Sharjah. He reportedly offered the players cars if they could defeat Pakistan in the upcoming match. Dilip Vengsarkar revealed this in a press conference. However, the encounter was quickly brought to an end when then-captain Kapil Dev asked Dawood to leave the room, maintaining the integrity of the team’s focus on the game.
3. When John Wright grabbed Sehwag’s collar
During the 2002 NatWest Trophy, Virender Sehwag was in top form but also getting out playing reckless shots. Indian coach John Wright, frustrated with 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, staying true to his word, grabbed Sehwag by the collar and scolded him. Sehwag, displaying his sportsmanship, didn’t overreact. Rahul Dravid later praised Wright, acknowledging that the coach’s actions were driven by a desire to see the team succeed.
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 picked, and Engineer, the senior player, jokingly told 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 situation.
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, claiming Test cricket was the true measure of a player’s worth. Frustrated, Dhoni finally snapped, asking, “Why are you always so angry?” This moment broke the tension between them, leading to a stronger friendship.