5 Times Indian Cricketers Got Emotional During National Anthem
The Indian Cricket team with PM Narendra Modi during the national anthem (Twitter)
Cricket holds the power to evoke the deepest emotions. As spectators, we're privy to the elation of a boundary, the agony of a missed run, and the enthusiasm of a wicket. However, the rawest of these emotions is often witnessed not amidst the throes of the game but before its very start - during the national anthem.
When Indian cricketers became overwhelmed during the national anthem
There's a sacred bond between the anthem and a cricketer representing their nation; a brief moment when pride, responsibility, and memory swell up simultaneously. This is a time when beneath the helmet and the glare of the stadium lights, the cricketer is not just a sportsperson but an emblem of national pride.
These moments occur before the battle on the pitch even begins, during the solemn strains of the national anthem. As the first notes of "Jana Gana Mana" vibrate through the stadium, time seems to slow, and in those brief moments, players, draped in blue, are transformed from cricketing heroes to devout sons and daughters of India. Their eyes shine, often brimming with tears and reflecting different emotions.
On account of India’s 76th Independence Day, here’s a look at five times when Indian cricketers got emotional during the national anthem.
1. Rohit Sharma
There are cricket matches, and then there are India-Pakistan face-offs. When these arch-rivals met at the T20 World Cup 2022 in the grand setting of Melbourne Cricket Ground, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.
Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma found himself swept up in a whirlwind of emotions as a chorus of a hundred thousand Indian fans belted out the national anthem. Overwhelmed, he tried to hold back his tears but couldn’t. The game was already destined to be etched in history and thanks to Virat Kohli's match-winning performance it will be remembered for the ages to come.
2. Virat Kohli
The WTC 2023 final at the Kennington Oval pitted India against Australia, and emotions were running high. As Virat Kohli passionately sang along to the anthem, he placed a hand over his heart, a gesture that showed his deep connection to the nation.
Virat Kohli emotional while singing the national anthem during WTC final 2023 (YouTube)
The powerful scene spread like wildfire on social media platforms and resonated with fans worldwide. Though the match's outcome wasn't in India's favour, Kohli's heartfelt moment proved that sometimes the journey draws out stronger sentiments than the destination.
3. Mohammed Siraj
The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne during Siraj's Test debut was not just a landmark in his cricketing journey but also an emotional roller-coaster. As the first chords of the national anthem echoed across the Sydney Cricket Ground, Siraj's courage seemed to momentarily flicker.
Tears trickled down his face as memories and the enormity of the moment converged. With every player reflecting on the solemnity of the occasion, it was his teammate Jasprit Bumrah who tried to instill some comfort in the debutant.
4. Hardik Pandya
The recent West Indies and India T20I series opener had its own share of unforgettable moments. But, before the first ball was even bowled, Hardik Pandya was seen overwhelmed by emotions during the national anthem.
With eyes glistening, he attempted to wipe away the tears discreetly. The spontaneous outburst of emotion painted an emotional picture and created ripples of admiration and warmth across Twitter
5. Suryakumar Yadav
Earning a Test cap is a momentous occasion for any cricketer. For Suryakumar Yadav, his debut against Australia in Nagpur on February 9, 2023, was filled with anticipation and deep sentiment.
The burgeoning cricketer could barely hold back his tears during the anthem which was a reflection of his long journey to the peak of the sport. The subsequent performance of the Indian team, winning by an innings and 132 runs, was the cherry on top of Surya's already unforgettable debut.
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