5 Weirdest Cricketing Rumours We Believed In Childhood

There is no denying that newspapers and media houses keep the cricketing fans updated with all the records, happenings, and even the minute occurrences around the cricketing fraternity. The fans are able to follow their respectable stars and keep themselves abreast regarding their developments and upcoming performances. But certain sources do exist and have emerged over time misleads the audience and the public.

With cricketers working exceptionally hard to keep their nation on top, any or every move from their on-field or off-field comes to light quickly. But false rumours are something cricketers don’t take kindly to and sometimes even the silliest of them could irk any player. Nevertheless, over the years some of the stories have been blown out of proportion and gave the fans a lot to laugh about.

We take a look at the 5 Weirdest Cricketing Rumours We Believed In Childhood:

Navjot Singh Sidhu stabbing the umpire:

Apart from playing his part for the Indian team on the field, Navjot Singh Sidhu has involved himself in commentary, politics, and been a recognized TV personality. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the dashing opener, who used to take the bowlers to the cleaners, has served as a judge in shows such as The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Comedy Nights with Kapil.

The 57-year old’s cricketing career that had 51 Tests and 136 ODIs in it had one memorable incident. When India and Pakistan locked horns in the Sharjah Cup in 1996, Aamer Sohail sledged him in the heat of the moment. When Sidhu marched towards him and raised a bat, umpires intervened to keep the situation from subsiding; however, news began spreading that the Indian opener stabbed the umpire with the stumps in retaliation.

Ricky Ponting – Spring bat:

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting needs no introduction. Ricky Ponting has etched his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen and captains. He is the leading run-getter for Australia in Test and ODI cricket and won multiple championships for the nation. Amongst the most memorable innings by Ponting, his unbeaten hundred against India in the 2003 World Cup final is the most.

The right-handed batsman thwarted Sourav Ganguly’s men in March 2003 in Johannesburg as the men in blue hoped to lift the trophy for the second time. But Ricky Ponting’s captain’s knock catapulted Australia to 359 in 50 overs, resulting in the men in yellow defending their crown successfully. Nevertheless, a week after the final, a rumour started spreading that the bat with which the Australian smashed a flurry of boundaries contained springs. The Indian fans targetted Ponting without even confirming the news; however, it turned out to be an April Fool’s prank.

MS Dhoni consumes five litres of milk daily:

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni is one of the iconic cricketers of the era and has a massive following worldwide. Often referred to as captain cool, MS Dhoni was significantly responsible for Indian cricket’s rise after their 2007 World Cup debacle in the West Indies. The 39-year old was a brilliant limited-overs skipper, leading the men in blue to three trophies and backed present stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Aside from being an innovative skipper, MS Dhoni was also a fearsome striker of the ball and amongst the best finishers. The Ranchi-born cricketer became a daunting prospect for the bowlers worldwide as they found it tough to contain him, mainly at the death. Hence, rumours used to spread around that Dhoni drinks five litres of milk every day, giving him the necessary power to play those massive hits. Even though the right-handed batsman denied it himself, the rumours have refused to disappear.

Shoaib Akhtar underwent Liposuction:

While Shoaib Akhtar had his ups and downs, alongside his career being full of controversies, one can’t argue he terrorized plenty of batsmen. Shoaib Akhtar’s raw pace unsettled the batsmen and fans worldwide found his relentless speed exceptionally. The Rawalpindi Express’ rise began in the 1999 World Cup when Pakistan reached the finals and the speedster bagged 16 wickets in ten games.

Meanwhile, when Shoaib Akhtar spent a long time on the sidelines due to a knee injury, word went around that he underwent Liposuction to remove excess weight off his body when he merely visited a plastic surgeon. Later, the fast bowler denied those claims, saying he visited the clinic to meet one of his doctors. Along with that, rumours also went around that Pakistan Cricket Board disapproved of the speedster’s surgery expenses.

Shane Warne – Having nightmares about Sachin Tendulkar:

Former Australian spinner Shane Warne was arguably the greatest leg-spinner of all time. Shane Warne’s 708 wickets in 145 Tests remains the second-highest in Test cricket as he had several variations in his repertoire to trouble the batsmen. But there was one batsman in world cricket, who the Victorian revealed having nightmares about.

Sachin Tendulkar, who was the best then, always had the edge over Warne as the master blaster often ruled over the wrist-spinner in his golden days, irrespective of the venue. Hence, the veteran once told the press that he has nightmares about Sachin’s batting. But after retiring, the leggie said that his words had been taken far too seriously as he got the better of Sachin on several occasions.

Also Read: 5 Bowlers With The Most Wickets In T20 Cricket