Cricket is known as the Gentleman’s game for a reason as there is a certain spirit of Cricket which has to be adhered. The game has seen many players who have been cited as a perfect gentlemen that the game has seen. There are some cricketers though who have had constant run in with the authorities and possess unwanted reputation as far as discipline is concerned. In this list we take a look at 7 cricketers from India who had made the news for their poor record as far as behavior and maintaining discipline on and off the field is concerned.
Sreesanth –
From fights and verbals with the opposition or slapping the pitch in delight after a wicket to aggressive body gesture after claiming a wicket to being slapped by an opposition player. The name of Sreesanth will go down in Indian cricketing annals as an enfant terrible of Indian cricket. To top it all he managed to drag himself in the IPL spot fixing controversy which saw him be sidelined from the game for over 8 years.
Mohammad Shami –
The 30-year-old right arm fast bowler from Bengal is without doubt one of India’s biggest match winners with the ball. Off the field though he was struck with a bitter blow as his failing marriage was played out in the news. His wife accused him of subjecting her to violence and a possible attempt at her life. This was followed by accusations against him for possible role in match fixing. He was absolved of the charges before he made a triumphant return to the national side.
Hardik Pandya –
27-year-old Hardik Pandya is an amazing talent with the bat and ball for India and Mumbai Indians. Pandya though has had to face a stern test to his character post his appearance in the Koffee with Karan show in early 2019. The Indian all rounder faced the public ire for his sexist comments and had to face a suspension for a while. He also had a run in against Chris Morris during the 2020 IPL game between Mumbai Indians and RCB. The two all rounders were seen engaging in war of words after Pandya smacked Morris for a six. The bowler came back to take Pandya’s wicket the next ball and gave him a sendoff. This exchange earned Pandya yet another caution from the IPL authorities.
Harbhajan Singh –
The 41-year-old off spinner is no doubt a legend in Indian cricket with 417 wickets in test cricket and over 250 wickets in ODI cricket. Harbhajan Singh has won the T20 and ODI world cup for India. Harbhajan though is prone to have an outburst or could have a run in against the opposition as well his own team mates. Early in his career he gestured aggressively at Ricky Ponting during an ODI in 1998. He also slapped Sreesanth during an IPL game in 2008 as well few run in with Pakistani players during the course of his career. His biggest controversy came during the 2007=08 tour of Australia where he was charged for Racial abuse against Andrew Symonds.
Virat Kohli –
The Indian skipper during the early part of his international career was known for his hothead and aggression. During the 2011-12 tour of Australia, he flashed his middle finger to the crowd. He also was fined 25% of his match fees for altercation with the umpire during the 2018 South African tour. He also had shoulder charged Beauran Hendricks during a T20 game at Bangalore.
Ravindra Jadeja –
The best all rounder in world cricket right now is making all the right noises for his achievements on the field. Off the field he has the penchant to strike trouble. Jadeja got into trouble for running on the pitch while batting during a home test against New Zealand in 2016. He also was banned from the IPL for a year after failing to sign a new deal with Rajasthan Royals. Off the field too he has fallen in trouble on many occasions for his Safari troubles and love for wild animals.
Ishant Sharma –
Ishant Sharma has been an ardent servant for Indian team by playing over 100 tests and picking over 300 wickets. In the 13 and half years he has played for India he has had to face the ire of the authorities on a few occasions. During the 2014 Brisbane test against Australia, he had a go at Steve Smith after dismissing him, he also was charged for his over-the-top celebrations during the 2018 tour of England after dismissing Dawid Malan.