If Indian cricketers were freedom fighters, who would represent whom?

On the occasion of Independence Day, we bring these two things on the same page with a little use of imagination.

India’s Independence Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by great freedom fighters, who put everything on line and even gave away their lives to see their nation as an independent entity. Today, the scenario is completely different from that era. We live in a free union, where we can enjoy doing what we love to. Cricket is one of those things, which we Indians love to the core. On this day, how about combining these two? Why not, cricketers too are fighters; battling with the opposition on the field to earn glory for their nation. Imagine if BCCI were a nation, the Indian cricketers would have essayed the role of freedom fighters. On the occasion of Independence Day, Abhishek Kumar tries to bring these two things on the same page with a little use of imagination.

1.  Sachin Tendulkar as Mahatma Gandhi

 

There is surely no match to both of them in their respective fields and both are treated as Gods. Sachin Tendulkar and Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution is surely incomparable and while one is the father of the nation, other one may go on to become father of Indian cricket in years to come.

2.  Rahul Dravid as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

 

One is known as ‘The Wall’, while the other one is famous as the ‘Iron Man’ of India. Both were loved and respected by one and all; their loved ones as well as their opponents and both of them barely have any haters. Both stood tall when the nation needed them to take the charge and both stepped aside when they got to know that their time was over. While one held the states together to form one country, the other held the Indian batting together and never left the ground.

3.  CK Nayudu  as Mangal Pandey

 

Mangal Pandey was arguably the first freedom fighter of the nation, while CK Nayudu was the first captain who led the Indian side in Tests. Both the personalities, who were marked by a fighting spirit, began an era of revolution in their respective fields.

4.  Vijay Merchant, Vinoo Mankad, Vijay Hazare as Lal-Bal-Pal

 

The trios, both in cricket and freedom struggle, were the backbone of the nation in their respective fields. Lal-Bal-Pal, whose full names are Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, were renowned nationalists during the British rule in India during the early 20th century, while Vijay Merchant, Vinoo Mankad and Vijay Hazare or the three V’s of India were the main players of the Indian side in the late 1940s.

5.  MAK Pataudi as Chandrashekhar Azad

 

 

Both are known for their aggression and are big names when it comes to bringing revolution to their respective fields. MAK Pataudi, despite losing his right eye, led the Indian side in Tests and brought a new level of energy and hunger to win in the team. Similarly, it was Chandrashekhar Azad who brought the hunger and aggression for freedom among the youngsters in his time.

6.  Sunil Gavaskar as Jawaharlal Nehru

 

Both are huge inspirational figures in the country. Jawahar Lal Nehru was a role model for many during his time and similarly, Sunil Gavaskar emerged as a huge figure for Indian side in cricket and ruled with his talent. Both have certain amount of haters and were a bit controversial too but they are still considered as role model by a majority of people.

7.  Kapil Dev as Bhim Rao Ambedkar

 

Both came from a very humble background and their rise in the nation and in their respective fields is truly commendable. Kapil Dev was probably the fastest bowler for India in his peak time and he came in an era when fast bowlers were one of the rarest things to happen in Indian cricket. Kapil is surely one of those cricketers who brought the change in thinking of young players in India. On the other hand, Bhim Rao Ambedkar came from the backward society of India and similarly, he brought a vast change in the society and in their mindset as well. Additionally, both were tremendous leaders as well and have cult following even today.

8.  Anil Kumble as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

 

 

Both were very clever, diplomatic and liked to remain behind the curtains. Anil Kumble was a part of both India’s successful as well as unsuccessful sides during his playing days but kept contributing for the team in the best way he could. Similarly, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was one of those rare personalities in India who were considered to be as big as Sardar Patel and Nehru. He too remained behind the curtains and kept doing his job for the nation with his good deeds.

9.  Sourav Ganguly as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

 

Both hail from Bengal and both are known for their competitive and never-say-die attitude, irrespective of the situation. Both Sourav Ganguly and Netaji are those figures, who made people believe in things otherwise deemed impossible. Both are known for instilling the fighting spirit in their respective fields and are hugely respected everywhere.

10.  MS Dhoni as Atal Bihari Vajpayee

 

Both these personalities were born in an era when India was rising in their respective fields with some drastic changes. Atal Bihari Vajpayee is not remembered as a freedom fighter, but he was in reality and that too at a very young one. Atal ji, as he is fondly known as, was rated very highly by the leaders. He struggled throughout his life and led the nation in the most crucial of situations; that too very bravely and carefully without any grievances. Similarly, MS Dhoni grew up watching the big players of India, who later rated him very highly when he broke into the team and led the side to the heights of new success which one could only have imagined about.

(Abhishek Kumar is a cricket devotee currently staffing with Criclife.com. He can be followed on Twitter @abhik2593 and on Facebook at abhicricket.kumar)

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