For any athlete, losing their form or facing failures shouldn’t worry them much. They can easily bounce back to their best because of their talent. But what really matters and can be tough is how they handle success. When a sportsman suddenly becomes famous, it tests their character. They might start dreaming big and feel like they’re above everyone else, which can make them seem arrogant. Even if they break records, they might not get the respect they deserve.
Only a few athletes manage success well, staying disciplined and respected even after achieving big things. In cricket, there are some who set a good example for others to follow.
Here are the five humble characters in cricket history:
1. Sachin Tendulkar
When people talk about cricket, Sachin Tendulkar always comes up. His name is practically synonymous with the game itself. I once read an article calling him the best part-time bowler in the world. He holds all the major batting records, which are incredibly hard to beat. For many people around the world, especially in India, he defines cricket with his exceptional talent as a batsman from Mumbai.
He’s been a steady member of the Indian team for 23 years without ever being dropped, which might make you think he’d be self-centered. But fans adore him so much that they’re willing to forgive any missteps. Yet, both in his personal and professional life, he’s been nearly perfect. Despite facing many challenges that could have made him angry, like being run out controversially in Kolkata or accused of ball tampering (which was later proven false), he’s never reacted poorly. Many people think of him as the cricketing God because of his humility.
He’s willing to play under any captain, even someone much younger than him. In cricket, he’s known as one of the most humble players, surpassing even giants from other sports in down-to-earth attitude.
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2. Rahul Dravid
If you asked him to walk on broken glass for his team, Rahul Dravid would do it without hesitation. This quote describes his character well. Unfortunately, he retired from all forms of cricket six months ago, leaving India searching for another team player like him.
In terms of batting, Dravid is as good as the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He also holds the record for the most catches in test cricket. Despite being one of the best batsmen in India, he never let his success go to his head. He could have demanded special treatment, but he never did.
Normally, senior players avoid risky fielding positions, leaving them to the newcomers. But Dravid didn’t follow this trend. Despite being a senior player, he often fielded in tough positions like silly point and forward short leg.
Even when he was the best batsman at No.3, Dravid never hesitated to move positions if it was best for the team. From his first captain Mohammad Azharuddin to his last, MS Dhoni, he respected and supported all his captains equally.
Despite his fame, Dravid never had a big ego. After retiring, he joked about doing household chores like buying groceries, but he actually does it now. He has always been approachable and down-to-earth, just like your friendly neighbor.
3. Anil Kumble
Jumbo, as he was called, is India’s top wicket-taker and the third most successful spinner in test cricket worldwide. When you see him on the cricket field in his Indian team uniform, you might recognize him as an athlete. Otherwise, he could easily pass for a family member. He doesn’t carry himself like one of India’s greatest cricketers. Like Dravid, he’s known for being a great team player. Once, he even bowled with a broken jaw. As captain, he looked like a strict headmaster managing his students. His teams rarely behaved badly. Despite being over six feet tall, he never flaunted his authority. He was friendly to all players. He shares a world record with Jim Laker for taking all 10 wickets in an innings, and has many other bowling achievements, yet he’s never been flashy or arrogant. Anil was truly a gentleman during his cricket career.
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4. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan holds bowling records in both Test and ODI cricket, some of which seem unbeatable. Despite this, he doesn’t boast or act superior. Alongside Shane Warne, he’s considered one of the greatest spin bowlers ever. Early in his career, he faced significant challenges, especially from umpire Darrell Hair, who questioned his bowling action unfairly. This caused Muralitharan a lot of distress and uncertainty. However, he underwent numerous tests and was eventually cleared by the ICC. He overcame this adversity and became the highest wicket-taker in cricket history.
Even after retiring, Muralitharan shows great respect for all cricketers and avoids controversies off the field, unlike some of his peers. His humility and sportsmanship make him a model cricketer to study if you’re interested in selflessness in sports.
5. Mahela Jayawardene
Over the past four years, he’s had tough luck as a captain, losing many important finals. He has scored over 10,000 runs in both test matches and ODIs. More importantly, he has won numerous matches almost single-handedly for his team. Starting out as a technically solid batsman, he later became known for his unconventional shots. He survived a terrifying attack by armed terrorists in Pakistan. His career has seen both successes and failures. He’s known for his quiet demeanor, speaking only when necessary. He takes responsibility for his team’s losses without making excuses, showing true leadership. Even when he’s out, whether due to his own mistake or an umpiring error, he remains calm and composed. He’s admired for his sportsmanship and never shows anger. Overall, he’s a remarkable individual.
These are the top five gentlemen in cricket I’ve encountered. Also noteworthy are V.V.S. Laxman and Adam Gilchrist. Although they played for fewer years and held fewer records compared to the top five, they exhibit exceptional sportsmanship and humility.
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