
New Delhi: Rahul Dravid who is known for his calm and composed behaviour showcased his rare aggressive side in a playful TV commercial in 2021 just before getting appointed as the head coach of the Indian Cricket team However glimpses of his competitive side were occasionally seen during the final years of his playing career. Dravids ex-IPL teammate Ajinkya Rahane remembered how he eased his fiery senior’s temper with a joke during a heated on-field moment between the former India captain and Australia-Mumbai Indians pacer Mitchell Johnson in the 2013 IPL. Rahul Dravid confronted Mitchell Johnson in the first over Opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals alongside Rahane against Mumbai Indians captain Dravid confronted the fiery Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson in the first over. After three consecutive dot balls Dravid broke the deadlock with a crisp off-drive for four. Johnson quickly engaged in a verbal spat with the Indian veteran reigniting tension from their earlier encounter. The situation intensified as both players grew heated prompting an uncharacteristic reaction from Dravid. Dravid fired back at Johnson with a series of sharp words Dravid first fired back at Johnson’s aggression with a series of sharp words then responded with a trademark wristy flick for four in the next over. He then shocked the crowd by cupping his hands to his ear daring Johnson to keep up the sledging. Opening with him at Rajasthan Royals felt reassuring. I was settling into my role as an opener and even in the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket he carried himself with such calm. During so many partnerships we had in that period I actually also saw the not so calm side of Rahul bhai once when Mitchell Johnson had tried to say a few words to him! I jokingly told him in between the overs ‘Rahul Bhai aap dedo isko bindaas let them see this side of yours’ and he started laughing wrote Rahane in a LinkedIn post. Rahane also recalled about his T20I debut for India Rahane also recalled about his T20I debut for India two years before the Johnson incident where he shared the field with Dravid in England. In his sole T20I appearance Dravid made a lasting impression as he smashed three consecutive sixes off Samit Patel before finishing unbeaten on 31 from 21 balls. I still smile thinking about it: Rahul bhai hitting three sixes in that innings and enjoying his batting even after scoring tons of international runs. To share that moment with him was special because it showed me that even legends are willing to step out of their comfort zones Rahane recounted in his post. Story Highlights Ajinkya Rahane recalled how he eased his fiery senior’s temper with a joke during a heated on-field moment between Rahul Dravid and Mitchell Johnson in the 2013 IPL. Rahul Dravid confronted the fiery Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson in the first over. After three consecutive dot balls Dravid broke the deadlock with a four. Johnson quickly engaged in a verbal spat with the Dravid reigniting tension from their earlier encounter. Dravid first fired back at Johnson’s aggression with a series of sharp words then responded with a trademark wristy flick for four in the next over
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