Credit: @IPL
From selfless gestures to gracious victories, these IPL moments celebrate the true spirit of cricket
The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn't just about sixes soaring into the night sky or last-ball finishes that leave you breathless. It's also a stage where sportsmanship shines brightly, fostering camaraderie and respect even amidst fierce competition. Here, we revisit five such moments that transcended the scoreboard, reminding us that cricket is a gentleman's game at its core.
The IPL is all about big hits and audacious catches, but sometimes the most defining moments are acts of sheer honesty. Remember Hashim Amla, the South African batting maestro, playing for the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) against the Royal Challengers Bangalore?
Credit: @PunjabKingsIPL
The South African legend was a true gentleman of cricket
Early in the inning, Amla seemed to have nicked a delivery. Though neither the bowler nor the wicketkeeper appealed, Amla, with unwavering integrity, walked off the ground. This act of selflessness, despite not costing Punjab the match (they went on to win comfortably), showcased the true spirit of the game.
Leadership isn't just about scoring runs. It's about recognising the contributions of others and fostering a sense of team spirit. In an IPL encounter between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, Gautam Gambhir, the KKR skipper, displayed exemplary leadership.
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Gambhir was chosen MOM for his 63 runs but he decided to give his MOM to Debabrata Das
While Gambhir himself played a crucial knock, he surprised everyone by awarding the Man of the Match trophy to a relatively unknown teammate, Debabrata Das. Das's small cameo of 11 runs included the winning hit, and Gambhir acknowledged his match-winning contribution, setting a powerful example of recognising even the smallest acts that lead to victory.
The pressure to perform in the IPL can be immense, especially for young players. In one such instance, Rishabh Pant, the explosive Delhi Capitals batsman, was on the verge of his maiden IPL century when he was dismissed just three runs short. Dejected and visibly upset, Pant walked back to the pavilion.
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They are close off the field too
Who did he find there? Suresh Raina was the Gujarat Lions captain at the time. In a heartwarming gesture, Raina offered a consoling hand and words of encouragement to the young player. This act of sportsmanship from a seasoned campaigner like Raina showed the importance of empathy and camaraderie within the cricket fraternity.
Rivalries are what make the IPL exciting, but true sportsmanship transcends team loyalties. A prime example was witnessed in an RCB vs. SRH clash in 2014. AB de Villiers, the RCB maestro, needed 28 runs off the last two overs for a victory. Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler and SRH's trump card, was handed the ball for the penultimate over.
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One of the finest moments in IPL history
What followed was a masterclass in batting by ABD, who smashed Steyn for a staggering 23 runs. Despite the defeat looming, Steyn's reaction was heartwarming. He walked up to ABD, his fellow countryman, and congratulated him on his brilliant knock, a moment of mutual respect that transcended the on-field competition.
Cricket is all about winning, but sometimes sportsmanship takes precedence. During a Mumbai Indians vs. KKR match, Chris Lynn, the KKR batsman, attempted a catch off a Jos Buttler miscue but landed awkwardly, injuring his shoulder. While everyone was concerned about Lynn, the on-field umpires didn't call a dead ball.
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Opener Jos Buttler and Parthiv Patel pose for a selfie with Hardik Pandya back in 2017
What happened next surprised everyone. Despite the opportunity to steal a run, both Buttler and his opening partner, Parthiv Patel, decided against taking advantage of the situation. This act of selflessness, prioritising a player's well-being over a run on the board, exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship in the IPL.
