Cricket is a team game and being munificent is something very important. But not all the time is keeping that attitude a good thing either. One’s personal growth is equally important as the entire team’s. But these are some of the most unselfish knockoffs pulled over by the cricket players, on the field.
1. Sourav Ganguly
Back in 2002, India apparently ended up setting a huge target score for themselves. It was 326 during the Natwest Trophy 2002. India obviously needed a strong start to the game, that would help them to get close to their winning stage.
Everyone expected the grand opening from Virender Sehwag. But the tables turned when it was delivered by the captain of the team himself, Sourav.
Sourav ended up with a score of 60 runs, with only 43 balls. Which made the England ballers be kinda under pressure.
2. Virender Sehwag
Sehwag crossed 201 runs during a match against Sri Lanka in Galle 2008. And during that game, when he was at his 199 runs, the 11th player was at the other end.
He could have easily hit the ball and scored his double century. But instead, he hit it deep, just because he didn’t want to expose the 11th player to the opponent.
3. Michael Clarke
Clarke was playing a test match against India back in 2012. He was playing at a run score of 329. If he continued the game he could have flawlessly broken a couple of cricket history records. Like, Matthew Hayden’s being the highest scorer during a test match for Australia.
Also, Brian Lara’s record of being the highest scorer in overall test match cricket history.
But instead of breaking any of those, the captain rather declared the innings. He did so because he thought Australia had enough runs to easily win the test match.
4. Robin Uthappa
Rohit Sharma was performing outstandingly during the ODI against Sri Lanka in 2014. Rohit registered the highest score in cricketing history.
It was Robin who was batting with him on the other end. If Robin wanted, he could easily bat too some big hits and get to big games at that particular session. But he decided to remain low key and let Rohit get his fame.
Robin remained not out on 16 off 16 balls.
5. Virender Sehwag
Another moment, when India set a target of 387 runs in the Chennai Test match back in 2008. The fans were sure of the possible outcomes. Basically either England’s scoring the victory or worse, a tie.
Situations switched off when Sehwag started batting. He scored 83 runs off just 68 balls and completely changed the whole game plan. As unexpected, India finally chased it down on day 5.
If this is not tagged as “true sportsmanship and friendship”, I honestly don’t know what would get tagged instead. Personal growth is important, but so are your co-players, and this is very much proved true.