Books always referred to cricket as the gentleman’s game- looking at the sportsmanship showcased by cricketers. The game was once synonymous with fair play, sportsman spirit, refraining from unfair means for winning, being respectful to opponents, and not cribbing on losses.
However, as with any game, there are situations where players exhibit behaviour that goes against the spirit of the sport- verbal spats, calling names, and disdaining have become a common practice, where players use disrespectful gestures or words to disturb or distract opposite team members.
This strategy is used to lower the opposition’s morale. However, the practice doesn’t stand true to the spirit of the game, and players often land in heated arguments and ugly fights. The situation is similar across the globe. India is not an exception.
Indian Premier League 2023 made headlines for all the wrong reasons after a row between cricketers Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during the 43rd match (Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore) on May 1.
Well, this wasn’t the first time in IPL history that players got into infuriating arguments. The league has witnessed explosive fights, leaving the fans in shock. Read more as we spill the beans on top IPL Fights.
- IPL 2023: Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir
Star player and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Batsman Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giant (LSG) pacer Naveen-ul-Haq got into a fuming quarrel towards the fag end of the match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This was followed by another heated exchange between the two when players from both sides shook hands at the end of the match- Naveek-ul-Haq refused to shake hands with Kohli, which was followed by a heated exchange of words. After LSG opener Mayers asked Kohli the reasons for his outburst, Gambhir was spotted leading the former away from the field. However, seconds later, the LSG mentor charged towards Kohli in a viral post-match video. The two raged at each other. Soon, the conversation flared, and the former had to be separated by team members. Gambhir reportedly lost his cool after he heard Virat Kohli telling Mayers: Bloody f***. I want to give him a sendoff. When Virat asked Gautam Gambhir why he was talking rudely to him, the LSG mentor replied: Tuney agar mere player ko bola hai, matlab tune meri family ko gaali diya hai. (You abused my player. That’s like abusing my family) to which Virat replied: Toh aap apne family ko sambhal ke rakhiye. (Then you take care of your family). Gambhir retorted saying, ‘Toh ab tu mujhe sikhayega…’
- IPL 2008: Harbhajan Singh vs S. Sreesanth in 2008
The first season of IPL was a hit as Indians went gaga seeing their favourite players hitting centuries in domestic matches. However, IPL 2008 witnessed a startling incident that shook the Indian cricket fanbase. The incident happened while Kings XI Punjab won the match against Mumbai Indians. A few comments by Sreesanth did not go down well with Harbhajan Singh, who slapped him in front of the crowd during the post-match ceremony. Sreesanth cried in the fallout, while an irked Harbhajan Singh was visibly upset.
- IPL 2014: Kieron Pollard vs Mitchell Starc
The IPL 2014 was no less than a drama film- the season witnessed an ugly war of words between Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians’ champion batsman, and Mitchell Starc, the short-tempered fast bowler of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The dramatic incident took place when Starc bowled a bouncer to Pollard and verbally abused him. Pollard got provoked and left the crease without trying to face the next ball, leading Starc to throw the ball at him.
In the chain of events that ensued, an infuriated Kieron Pollard threw his bat at Starc, sending shockwaves among the crowd. Later, the umpires, captains of both the teams (Rohit Sharma- Mumbai Indians and Chris Gayle- Royal Challengers Bangalore) had to intervene to ease the situation. Both players were charged a whopping amount for breaking IPL’s code of conduct- Pollard lost 75% of his match fee, while Starc was penalised 50% by the match umpire.
- IPL 2016: Harbhajan Singh vs Ambati Rayudu
Harbhajan Singh was not even out of the limelight after the infamous 2008 incident when tensions blazed during IPL 2016. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Ambati Rayudu, then a part of Mumbai Indians, and Harbhajan were playing Rising Pune Supergiant. Harbhajan was bowling to Saurabh Tiwary. Rayudu, fielding at deep mid-wicket, tried to save the ball from reaching the boundary. Unfortunately, it ended up crossing the boundary, frustrating his teammate. A fuming exchange followed, with Harbhajan Singh raging at the fielder, who yelled back. Bhajan apologised soon after and tried to hug Rayudu. But it was too late. Rayudu walked away.
- IPL 2013: Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir
Do you know how the rivalry between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir began? Well, former teammates and competitive players Virat and Gautam’s war of words first began in IPL 2013. Virat Kohli, after ending his innings at 35 runs, responded angrily to the KKR fielders, which provoked a blasting exchange with Gambhir, the KKR skipper. Within minutes, the situation worsened. Both players exchanged bitter words and got involved in a physical dispute. They were soon separated by all-rounder Rajat Bhatia.
