Team India in Olympics: who would play what?
Team India in Olympics: who would play what?
The Olympic Games are currently underway in Rio and after a long wait, India finally had something to cheer as Sakshi Malik won a bronze medal in women’s wrestling and opened India’s account. It was India’s first medal in the 2016 edition of the premier sporting event. While a majority of people from the 1.3 billion strong country celebrated the success, a few cynics thought that the cricketers could have done a better job. Can’t really blame them, for India is still a cricket-obsessed nation. But just think of it; cricket may not be an Olympics sport, but what if cricketers are sent to the Olympics to play the sport they are good at? Here’s a list of 10 Team India players and the games they could possibly participate in and return with the Gold medals:
Please note this is a humour article — work of pure fiction
MS Dhoni, 100m: The Twitterati have already labelled him as the man faster than Usain Bolt. Who can forget his sprint to run Mustafizur Rahman out and win India close contest against Bangladesh during the ICC World T20 2016? His running between the wicket too is unparalleled. So there should not be any surprise if Dhoni participates at Tokyo 2020 and gives Bolt a run for his money. One Gold medal is a certainty!
Virat Kohli, Weightlifting: Sachin Tendulkar carried the weight of the nation’s expectations for around 24 years. Since his retirement, India’s Test skipper Virat Kohli has been efficiently doing the same. For a man who can shoulder the weight of expectations of over 1.3 billion people, a Gold medal in weightlifting at Olympics should be a cakewalk, isn’t it?
In addition, with his bulging biceps, he is good with it too.
Cheteshwar Pujara, Marathon: When England toured India in 2012, their bowlers required close to 800 balls to dismiss Chetweshwar Pujara, as his first dismissal came in the second Test. India’s marathon man has since played many such knocks, where he has managed to get under the opposition’s skin with his tenacity and diligence. If given a chance to run the marathon race at Olympics, this guy won’t disappoint and will surely return back with a medal.
Jasprit Bumrah, Javelin: With his wide-arm unorthodox bowling action, Bumrah has surprised many since he broke in to the international scene. The jump that he takes after running in hard to bowl and the awkward pose that his hands create bear resemblance to a Javelin thrower’s effort. If the ball in his hand is replaced by a Javelin, a medal at Olympics won’t be a distant dream.
Rohit Sharma, Golf: They say golf is one of the laziest sports. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that golfers ride around in a golf cart instead of walking the course. If that holds any truth, we have a contender for a berth in golf event at Rio. Who better than Rohit Sharma, the man blessed with ‘lazy elegance’? Are the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) guys listening?
Ravichandran Ashwin, Decathlon: This man can bat, bowl and do whatever his captain demands of him. And when he goes to the Olympics, it’s only apt that Ravichandran Ashwin participates in the Decathlon and returns with a medal.
Ravindra Jadeja, Equestrian: Ravindra Jadeja and horses is a winning combination. The Rajkot-based cricketer not just owns horses back home, but also goes around for a ride with them in the Caribbean. This means he ain’t short on ‘match practice’ and if the Indian contingent at Olympics needs his services in Equestrian event, Jadeja can ride all the way to Brazil for a medal.
Shikhar Dhawan, Wrestling: Team India’s moustache twirler Shikhar Dhawan wrestled his way into the Indian team. His initial bouts were with the likes of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Often he celebrates like an Akhada Pehelwan, when he slaps his thighs. Even today, after establishing himself into the team, he has to face constant challenges from the new challengers like KL Rahul. But he is always up for a wrestling bout. Send him to Rio, and he will return back holding Gold in one hand and twirling moustache with the other.
Ajinkya Rahane, Shooting: So good Rahane is with his throws and direct-hits that a broadcasting channel famously ran a TV series on him titled ‘Run-out Rahane’. The dependable batsman is extremely agile in the field and is blessed with immaculate throwing. While batting too his concentration is intense. These qualities make him a top contender for Gold medal in shooting.
Ashoke Dinda, High Jump: With the longest jump during his bowling run-up in the cricket circles, Dinda is India’s best bet for a Gold medal in high jump at Olympics. He is free these days, and will be available for the event unless he is busy travelling around the world with his better half.
(A self-confessed cricket freak, Chinmay Jawalekar is senior writer with CricLife and CricketCountry. When not writing or following cricket, he loves to read, eat and sleep. He can be followed here @CricfreakTweets)