Team India head coach and former cricketer Rahul Dravid is considered one of the greatest to have ever played the game. Along with his solid batting technique, he is also known for his calm and composed nature. Rahul Dravid does not usually show his emotions on the cricketing field. However, Shoaib Akhtar recalled an interesting incident, when the Indian cricketer lost his cool when he collided with the pacer. Akhtar was left surprised by Rahul Dravid’s anger.
The incident occurred during the 2004 Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan. Shoaib Akhtar was bowling well in the match and took four wickets for 36 runs. In a video shared by Star Sports on social media, the former Pakistan pacer recalled the intense encounter. He revealed that Rahul Dravid had a go at him after the two collided. Akhtar said,
“That match, he (Rahul Dravid) wanted to have a word with me because we ran into each other and we collided. Before that Mohammed Kaif…I ran in, and before I was about the deliver the ball, he (Kaif) moved away. I did not tell him anything but I was really angry. So, I got him out and then I got Yuvi out. We were touch close to winning that game.”
Speed master @shoaib100mph remembers #RahulDravid's 🔥 moment!
Enjoy this 🚶 down the memory lane of the #GreatestRivalry as you gear up for the next #INDvPAK ⚔️!#BelieveInBlue | #AsiaCup | Aug 28, 6 PM | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/igbQDkF3eh
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 18, 2022
It’s a one-off thing, Rahul is a gentleman: Shoaib Akhtar
Further recalling the incident, Shoaib Akhtar added that he asked Rahul Dravid to run on his side after the duo collided. However, the Indian cricketer got angry and charged up at him. Akhtar added that was surprised to see Dravid flared up during that match. The pacer said,
“Rahul Dravid ran into me. We collided and I told him to run on his side, and I will run on my side. So, Rahul Dravid got flared up. I said, ‘Rahul, aggressive? How? I know the climate is changing but I didn’t know tu bhi lad sakta hai?’ It’s a one-off thing, Rahul is a gentleman. But that spell, I bowled really fast. I made sure that I had an impact on India after the 2003 World Cup.”
Batting first, Team India was all out for 200 in 49.5 overs with Dravid (67) top-scoring in the match. In response, Pakistan struggled a little before chasing it down in the final over of the match, winning it by three wickets.
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