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Much like any other sport, the game of cricket also has its own emotions and sentiments attached to it. Some do their best to keep it together throughout the game, or afterwards, but some aren’t mentally strong enough to hold it inside.
As a result, we have seen cricketers breaking down and cameras catching them in their moment of weakness. Tears can be happy as well as sad.
But today, let’s have a look at players who broke down on the field in sorrow:
1. Vinod Kambli
During the semi-finals of the 1996 ODI World Cup, India was possibly looking at chasing down the target set by the Sri Lankans on the back of Sachin Tendulkar, who threatened to take India through single-handedly.
However, it all changed after the wicket of Sachin and Indian batting order capitulated under pressure.
The angry crowd at Eden Gardens turned into a mob, and it was declared unsafe for the players to participate in the action.
Kambli, who tried his level best from one end, could not control his tears as he walked back to the pavilion, with the match being awarded to the Sri Lankans. The incident also proved to be the turning point for the talented Mumbaikar.
2. S. Sreesanth
Be it the Monkeygate or the Slapgate, Harbhajan Singh found himself in the limelight in 2008 more often than not.
After one of the IPL games between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Mumbai Indians (MI), which the hosts won, Sreesanth in a jovial manner might have said something provocative to Bhajji while shaking hands.
Bhajji in return slapped his then Indian teammate, Sreesanth, who broke down in tears. The ‘Slapgate’ garnered a lot of attention for both the Indian cricketers involved.
3. Virat Kohli
Young Virat Kohli had the world on his feet after lifting the 2008 U19 World Cup, and then winning the 2011 ODI World Cup, after being fast-tracked into the side.
India played South Africa in the round-robin fixture during the 2012 T20 World Cup. Due to the net run-rate situation, India not only had to win the match but defeat South Africa by a margin above 30 runs to progress into the semi-finals.
Despite winning the match against the already knocked out Protea side, India could not restrict them to the total required for them to progress into the semi-finals.
As soon as the South Africans crossed the total, Virat, who was fielding, could not control his tears and was seen weeping.
4. AB de Villiers
One of the most heartbreaking moments for South African cricket enthusiasts was witnessing their team getting knocked out by hosts New Zealand, in the semi-finals of 2015 World-Cup at Auckland.
The game proved to be an absolute blockbuster with the game swaying from one end to the other. Finally, it was Grant Elliot who guided the Kiwis home with his fine knock.
After the match, AB de Villiers along with Morne Morkel, and many other South African cricketers were seen crying their hearts out.
5. Kuldeep Yadav
During the Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2019, Kuldeep Yadav was made to swallow a bitter pill in the form of the thrashing he received from Moeen Ali.
The Englishman tore Yadav apart after smashing 27 in just one over. Also, he conceded 59 in his four overs, which is the joint-most conceded by a spin bowler in the tournament.
After his spell, Yadav, placed in the deep, was seen crying his heart out inconsolably while sipping water, with Nitish Rana offering him his sympathies.
6. MS Dhoni
Fondly regarded as ‘Captain Cool’, MS Dhoni is known to absorb the pressure and keep his composure in tough situations.
However, after India’s heart-breaking exit from the 2015 ODI World Cup, Mahi proved that he is human after all, and shed a tear or two after losing to Australia in the semi-finals.
During the presentation ceremony, a teary-eyed Dhoni walked in to talk as the losing captain, breaking a million hearts of his die-hard fans.
