By Ravi - Jul 25, 2025 01:15 PM
Cricket is not just a game, but a story of passion and enthusiasm. There have been many players of Team India who have shown unmatched fighting spirit for the country by coming on the field despite broken jaws, fractures and serious back injuries. In this report, we are telling about those 5 Indian cricketers, who gave priority to the needs of the team instead of their body and recorded their name in history as an example of courage.
Anil Kumble's match with a broken jaw against West Indies in 2002 is etched in every fan's memory. After a Merv Dillon bouncer hit him on the face, Kumble was diagnosed with a jaw fracture and was advised to return home for surgery. However, defying medical advice and shocking everyone, Kumble went out to bowl with his jaw heavily bandaged. He bowled 14 consecutive overs and eventually dismissed the great Brian Lara. He displayed indomitable courage and a never-say-die attitude that epitomises the spirit of Indian cricket.
Rishabh Pant's stellar performance in the ongoing Test series against England has won the hearts of the entire nation. After suffering a toe fracture off a Chris Woakes delivery on the first day of the fourth Test, Pant was carried off the field in pain. He came out to bat on the second day. He was limping but was determined. He scored an aggressive half-century, which earned a standing ovation from the audience and praise from cricket legends across the world. His composure after recovering from a life-threatening car accident in late 2022 reflects his exceptional mental toughness.
During the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan played a brilliant innings of 117 runs against Australia, although he suffered a hairline fracture in his thumb after being hit by a Pat Cummins bouncer early in the innings. Nevertheless, Dhawan continued to bat and scored a match-winning century to lay the foundation for India's victory. Although the injury ruled him out of the rest of the tournament, his determination to play for his team despite the pain in such a crucial match is a testament to his fighting spirit.
In the 1981 Test match against Australia at Melbourne, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev delivered one of his most memorable performances despite a hamstring injury. India were in a weak position and Kapil Dev bowled very little in Australia's first innings due to the injury. However, with the series at stake, he bandaged his thigh and bowled brilliantly on the final day. Despite his physical discomfort, Kapil Dev bowled brilliantly and took 5 wickets for just 28 runs, including the crucial wicket of Allan Border.
In the thrilling Sydney Test of 2021 against Australia, Hanuma Vihari, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, miraculously pulled off a draw despite injuries and a strong Australian attack. Vihari suffered a serious hamstring injury while taking a quick single in the fourth innings, which reduced his pace considerably. Despite finding runs hard to come by, he continued to bat bravely, absorbing the pressure and tormenting the Australian bowlers for over three hours, playing a key role in saving the Test match for India.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 Update : Will there be a match between India and Pakistan?
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