Players who have turned aggression into performance

Players who have turned aggression into performance: Why do we remember legends? Talk about any sport, performance is what counts at International level. For some, its all about going through the regular routine of getting padded up, wearing the helmet, waiting for the turn to come, listening to a soothing track. Others like to chit chat, crack jokes, get into a shower or maybe just sleep. Every individual has its own way to channelise the right energy. Some like to play the game in a gentle manner and thrive for a win , whereas others like to push the envelop little further and play the game hard. Let us have a look at Players who have turned aggression into performance: 1. Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: BCCI) No prize for guessing, the Indian Test captain has had a successful run at the international level so far thanks to his aggression. From taking on the fastest bowlers in the world to giving a piece of his mind during fielding, Kohli knows how to respond to cheers and jeers. On reaching a hundred, he graces the occasion in his own way. Kohli’s verbal volleys are a part of his game. During the 2012 tour down under, Ponting and his men tried to get under his skin, but Kohli was in no mood to go down without a fight. He responded to fire with fire on the way to his second century. Kohli as captain stays his usual self. He backs his boys and doesn’t shy away from a word or two with the opposition. Also Read – 12 Cricketers caught in the act – The embarrassing moments 2. Chris Gayle: Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: AFP) This Calypso King is the self-proclaimed “World Boss”. He has a funny bone to his credit and loves to enjoy a relaxed setup. But every lull is anticipated with the storm. From Michael Clarke to Graeme Smith, almost every player has faced the wrath of Christopher Henry Gayle. His angry celebration after the world T20 game against Australia is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans. Chris Gayle has used his aggression in the best effect so far, hitting the leather to all parts of the ground. From Jamaica to Jamnagar, this party animal has many admirers. The world doesn’t mind his aggression as long as the ball is sent out of the park. 3. Shane Warne: Shane Warne. (Photo Source: Getty Images) This playboy of world cricket has made many batsmen dance to his tune. A coffee table book on Warne’s best wickets can do little justice to his craft. Not one to shy away, “Warnie” got under the opponents skin time and again, resulting in cracking the timber or a sitter back at him. He didn’t hesitate to hit Marlon Samuels during a verbal dual between the two, and left Pietersen shocked, when he sledged the English batter during the Ashes, after sharing couple of beers during their previous meeting. This legend carried on the Australian “play hard” tradition on his way to 708 test wickets. 4. Sir Vivian Richards: Sir Viv Richards. (Photo Source: Getty Images) His Swag is second to none, Sir Richards let his bat do the talking while he chewed a gum. His aggression as a batsman is admired by many. But Viv’s aggression was not confined to the 22 yards. During 1989/90 England tour of West Indies, the English media would take on Richards and the West Indian was never known for taking the back step. He reportedly threatened the Daily Express reporter, James Lawton who tried to have a chat with him, Richards was quoted saying, “You write anything bad about me and I’ll come and whack you. A lot of crap is being written about me and it is time someone was sorted out. I’ll start with you.” Now that’s Sir Viv Richards for you. 5. Dale Steyn: Dale Steyn. (Photo Source: Getty Images) Dale Steyn likes to pitch the ball in the right area and even loves to hit the batsman. The “steyn-gun” spells fire with the red cherry and makes a batsman dance with the white kookaburra. He once said, jokingly, if somebody ever manages to make his friend and team-mate Morne Morkel angry, he will become the best bowler in the world. Dale Steyn is a prime example of how aggression can get the best out of a player.With 402 wickets from 80 matches, Steyn is set to burst more crackers in the coming times. 6. Mitchell Jhonson: Mitchell Johnson. (© Getty Images) The name can bring shivers down the spine.Johnson earned man-of-the-series honours for his part in the 5-0 series whitewash in 2013-14. Over the years, Johnson has grown as a lethal fast bowler. He never shies away from staring at the batsman, from Kohli to Bell, Jhonson got the better of many batters around the world. He speaks his mind in all occasions and doesn’t mind to have a go at the batsman. With Australia coming out of Ashes debacle, Jhonson will look to carry on his aggressive style of play and get the better of the batsmen in the coming time. 7. Marlon Samuels: Marlon Samuels. (© Getty Images) He believes in the aggressive brand of cricket. Marlon Samuels is best known for smashing the ball out of the park and sending off dejected batsmen with his “under-rated” off spin. Samuels likes to do a bit of talking and the aggression helps in bringing out the best in him. Marlon is one of those batsmen who backs his actions with the bat. Marlon Samuels is a complete package when it comes to entertainment. 8. Shoaib Akhtar: Shoaib Akhtar. (© Getty Images) The Rawalpindi express needs no introduction. He irritated numerous batsmen with his pace and aggression. Ask Matthew Hayden, and he will tell you how lethal Akhtar had been during his playing days. Akhtar was known as a “problem child”, getting into a fight with the opposition was nothing out of the blue for him. Aggression helped Akhtar to perform at home and overseas. Akhtar was never out of the news. With 247 wickets in ODI and 178 in Tests, one shouldn’t mind but admire this speedstar. 9. Gautam Gambhir: Gautam Gambhir. (© Getty Images) Gauti is known as a silent warrior who goes about his things and lets the bat do the talking. But on occasions, the world witnessed Gambhir’s aggressive best. From hitting Watson with his elbow to getting into an ugly fight with Afridi, Gambhir didn’t even spare Kohli, he gave a earful to the current Indian skipper on one occasion. One admirable fact about Gambhir is how beautifully he backs his actions with runs. He has been a match winner for India and one should hope he carries on playing this aggressive brand of cricket. 10. Shahid Afridi: Shahid Afridi. (© Getty Images) “Lala” as he is famously called, won many hearts all over the world. Apart from being an aggressive batsman, Afridi is also a clever bowler. Shahid Afridi is known as a hard hitter of the ball. Afridi never backed out from on-field arguments, wearing his heart on the sleeves. He has often been in the news for his bold comments and didn’t even spare his cricketing board at times. From news reporters to teammates, many have witnessed the aggressive side of this man. Afridi lost his cool on numerous occasions and paid the price most of the times. He has played 398 ODI games for Pakistan with a staggering run rate of 117.00. When it comes to bowling, Afridi made the best use of his aggression by picking up 395 wickets in the shorter version of the game. Afridi has been instrumental in Pakistan’s rise in the shorter version of the game, and full marks should go to his aggressive nature. Also Read – 32 Most popular nicknames in Cricket