As we know, cricket is known as a gentleman's game. Many cricketers prove this with their excellent sportsmanship gestures. True sportsmanship is when people who are playing a sport treat each other with respect. No matter how important the match is or how intense the situation is, many cricketers and teams have shown their great spirit and sportsmanship since the game has invented. An example of sportsmanship in cricket could be helping the opposition team’s player when injured or acknowledging that he is out by walking off the field even if the umpire has not given out to that particular player. ICC (International Cricket Council) also gives a spirit of cricket award every year to the player who showed great sportsmanship during the match.
Here are some examples of great sportsmanship shown by the cricketers.
1. Adam Gilchrist
It was the 2003 world cup’s first semi-final, Aus vs. Sri Lanka. Arvind de Silva came to bowl the 6th over. He bowled to Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist went for a slog sweep but, the ball passed his bat, hit his pad, and Kumar Sangakkara took a well-judged catch. The Sri Lankan team did appeal. Umpire said not out, but suddenly, Gilchrist walked back to the pavilion. In the replay, it was found that he was out indeed. This did not make any difference in the match result, as Australia won by 48 runs. But the highlight of the game was the great sportsmanship shown by Adam Gilchrist.
2. Andrew Flintoff
It was the 2nd test in Ashes 2005. Australia lost the test match by just two runs. After the final dismissal, Bret Lee was shocked as his 43 runs impressive knock went in vain. While the England team celebrated their victory, Andrew Flintoff first consoled Bret Lee. This gesture of an English all-rounder showed great sportsmanship.
3. Virat Kohli
The impression of Virat Kohli on the field is pretty aggressive. But in recent years, he has made some significant gestures during the 2019 world cup match between Ind vs. Aus, some Indian fans tried to abuse Steven Smith because of the sandpaper gate scandal. Virat Kohli did not like the harmful or unhealthy actions of fans and asked them to cheer for the Indian team instead of teasing Steven Smith. Virat Kohli had some issues with Smith in the past, but he kept the problems aside and asked fans not to disrespect him. Because of this gesture, he received a lot of praise worldwide, especially from Australian fans.
4. M.S. Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the most loved cricketers. He is famous for his calm nature on the field. It was the 5th ODI between Ind and SA in 2015 at Wankhede. South Africa was on fire. After scoring a century, Faf Du Plessis faced severe cramps. M.S. Dhoni came forward and helped him by stretching and holding his legs up. M.S. Dhoni played the role of on-field physio for South African Faf Du Plessis and showed great spirit.
5. Kane Williamson
The world cup final between New Zealand and England in 2019 was one of the most thrilling matches. England won the World Cup on a number of boundaries rule after a match tied in super over at lords. However, the New Zealand skipper accepted this defeat with dignity. Fans were amazed by Kane's honesty and sportsmanship that he did not complain despite an unfair loss in the world cup final.
6. Jofra Archer
Indian Premier League is one of the favorite leagues of cricket among the fans. During the 13th season of IPL in Abu Dhabi in 2020, Jofra Archer showed great sportsmanship. It was a match between RR(Rajasthan Royals) and KxiP(Kings 11 Punjab). Jofra Archer dismissed universal boss- Chris Gayle for 99. After the dismissal, Gayle got frustrated and threw his bat in anger, Archer calmed him down by giving a fist bump. Fans praised the sportsmanship gesture by Jofra.
7. Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir is known as one of the greatest spinners in South Africa. It was a match between South Africa and Zimbabwe. After the match, Imran Tahir stayed back and shared his knowledge with the opposition's bowlers. This showed great sportsmanship.
8. Gundappa Vishwanathan
In 1980 India was playing their golden jubilee test in Mumbai against England. Bob Taylor was caught out behind the stumps.Umpire gave his decision as out. But Indian skipper G Viswanathan and other fielders did not think the batsman had edged. He went to the umpire, withdrew his appeal, and called back Taylor. This showed great sportsmanship.
9. Virender Sehwag
During a match between India and Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar, a Pakistani bowler, got hit on foot due to a straight drive by Sachin Tendulkar. Shoaib got hurt and fell in pain. Virender Sehwag, who was at the non-striker's end, helped him get back on his feet, showing sportsmanship.
10. Shaheen Afridi and David Warner
It was a test match between Pakistan and Australia. During this match Shaheen Afridi and David Warner showed great sportsmanship. On the 4th day of the series decider test match, Shaheen clean-bowled Warner. Warner was very impressed with this delivery by Shaheen Afridi. When Warner was returning to the pavilion, Afridi came and shook hands with him. Warner also shook hands with him and returned to the pavilion with a big smile.
