In an era of news, dramas and social network, there seems to be a constant tension between the Indian cricket team and the media. This is 2015 and even Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking 264 cannot meet people’s expectations. They have attacked Indian players and there have been a string of verbal and physical altercations between spectators and cricketers.
The nation’s expectations and pressure have been a part of Indian cricket’s soundtrack for decades. There have been times when media crossed the lines. Inspired by this Quora thread, here are 8 times when our heroes showed calm and witty sides at interviews and post-match press conferences.
1. Virender Sehwag was asked once by a reporter, “What is the difference between you and Sachin?”
He gave a short and crisp reply which had 3 simple words.
Our bank balance.
2. It’s him again. The interviewer asked him, ‘Do you know you may never play for India again?’
..to which Sehwag replied, ‘Well, whose loss is that?’
3. ‘Does Greg Chappell owe an apology to Indian cricket? To Sachin Tendulkar, to Sourav Ganguly, to Dravid?’
The Prince of Kolkata reacted immediately. This is what he said.
‘He can call up Tendulkar, or Dravid. But he dares dials my number. If he’s hearing this on TV, he dare calls me.’
4. Just a week ahead of the World Cup, Mahendra Singh Dhoni became a father.
When asked if that was playing on his mind, his response left everyone speechless.
‘I am on national duty and everything else can wait.’
5. We treat cricket like a religion and MSD understands that.
‘I have 3 dogs at home. Even after losing the series or winning the series, they treat me the same way.’
6. Reporter: ‘Why India doesn’t have good fast bowlers like South Africa?’
A calm and composed Dhoni: ‘Indian spinners are better than South Africa, but you people never ask me about that.’
7. Before a series against Pakistan, he was asked how his team will handle the Rawalpindi Express (Shoaib Akhtar).
It’s simple.
‘We will try and pull the chain and stop the train midway.’
8. The article has to end with the God of Cricket. Once he was asked how he deals with critics.
Sachin smiled and said, ‘When people throw stones at you, you turn them into milestones.’
How do the legends of Indian cricket inspire us?
Yes, this way. With their words. 🙂