If the IPL were to hand out awards for the most aggressive and angry players, Gautam Gambhir and Munaf Patel would perhaps win it hands down. While the victorious Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper has gone about his business with a permanent scowl, the Mumbai India pacer has looked ready to pick up arguments with fellow players or umpires at the first opportunity.
Interestingly, Gambhir isn't bothered with his 'angry young man' image. "I don't intend to be aggressive but if that's what it takes for me to win matches, I will be aggressive. We go out there not just to compete but win matches," he declares.
The approach has clearly worked wonders for KKR, who are perched on top of the heap. "Being aggressive is important; you need to pass on that body language to others in the team."
Fair enough, but Gambhir just can't seem to shake off that aggression even off the field. Having laid down an all-for-one-and-one-for-all rule, the KKR skipper almost loses his cool if asked to comment on any team mate. "It's a team game and one individual can't make all the difference. A bowler can bowl just four overs, there are 16 more overs…" Okay, point taken.
While Gambhir's aggression may have some logic to it, Munaf's repeated outbursts appear merely anger for the sake of it. He just needs a batsman to hit a boundary or umpires turning down his appeal to fly into a rage. The match referees have taken a liking to his antics; otherwise he would have surely sat out a few games.
{{/usCountry}}While Gambhir's aggression may have some logic to it, Munaf's repeated outbursts appear merely anger for the sake of it. He just needs a batsman to hit a boundary or umpires turning down his appeal to fly into a rage. The match referees have taken a liking to his antics; otherwise he would have surely sat out a few games.
{{/usCountry}}Even the usually calm and composed characters like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar are far more animated than they have ever been in their international careers.