Ranking top 10 'thug life' moments in cricket history

Cricket is known to be a game of several uncertainties as momentum can tilt within a span of few deliveries. Moreover, a team needs to be formidable in several departments to thrive. While batters are assigned to put up runs on the board, bowlers have the onus to take wickets. Not to forget, fielding is also a crucial aspect of the game.

Hence, it requires great skills to make a mark over the 22 yards. Notably, cricket also challenges the mental strength of a player. With millions of viewers watching an international game, players at the highest level can’t afford to crumble under pressure. The requirement of this aspect also tends to make players witty. As a result, fans have witnessed several ‘thug life’ moments on the cricket field.

While some players have given befitting replies to sledges verbally, others have talked with either with their bat or the ball. Some hilarious incidences have also been recorded in the commentary box and in the press conferences. As fans continue to celebrate the gentleman’s game, we’ll recall some of those instances.

Here are the top 10 ‘thug life’ moments in cricket history

10. Virat Kohli’s response to James Faulkner’s sledge

With Australian cricketers known for their grim and aggressive nature, there are numerous of them getting under the opposition players’ skin through sledging. However, this approach didn’t quite work for left-arm pacer James Faulkner during the third ODI of India’s 2016 tour of Australia. Faulkner ignited a verbal battle with Virat Kohli and the latter was more than happy to respond.

Kohli was batting well in the middle and looked all set to take Team India towards a massive total in the first innings. In order to dent his concentration, Faulkner instigated the then Indian limited-overs vice-captain to take him on and score runs off his bowling. However, Kohli came up with an epic reply and the stump microphone recorded his words.

“You’re wasting your energy. There’s no point, I’ve smashed you enough in my life. Just go and bowl,” replied Kohli. The right-handed batter went onto score a run-a-ball 117 as the Men in Blue posted 295/6. However, the home team clinched the Melbourne ODI by three wickets.