Rahul Dravid is easily one of the coolest heads one could find on the cricket field, but what happened in the final group game of IPL 2014 between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians was something unprecedented.
Both sides were fighting for the remaining fourth spot, and the task was easier for Rajasthan, whilst Mumbai had to climb a mountain and chase 190 runs inside 14.3 overs.
In the most dramatic circumstances, MI pulled off one of the great wins in history. As Aditya Tare confirmed Mumbai’s berth in the final four with a six, we saw something astounding in replays.
Watching the ball soar in the stands, RR’s mentor Dravid threw his cap away in frustration as his side lost a great chance to be in playoffs.
Recalling that moment in an interaction with CRED’s Youtube channel, he mentioned that it is normal for a cricketer to lose control of his emotions, and with the number of eyeballs fixated on them, it is never easy to get away:
“A lot of it has come naturally, but a large part of it I have always had to work on. I realise that when I stay calm and relaxed, I perform my best. Obviously, this was one occasion where I lost it and couldn’t do that, but that happens.
It’s not the first time it’s happened to me; it does happen. It was the first time it had happened publicly. Other times it might have happened in the privacy of the dressing room”.
Having spent many seasons in the IPL as a player and mentor, the former Indian captain is currently the fan favourite to take over as India’s head coach, but as per reports from various trusted publications, the 48-year-old is keen on continuing with the junior Indian side.