Cricket Bloopers: When the Dugout Became Comedy Central
Cricket is a serious game, where players from both teams remain focused on winning the game. However, there is another side to the match, also, which stands in the team dugout.
Often, we see players staying dead serious when the camera goes to the dugout, but there are a few moments that make the commentators break character. Watching players dance in the dugout, beat each other up hilariously, or even sleep till it’s their turn to bat, the dugout holds its moments of bloopers. Let’s take a look at some of the funniest moments of the dugout, caught on camera.
Sleepy Labuschagne Gets a Shock
Taking a nap during the game might be a bit challenging for the batsmen, especially if they are batting at the number 3 spot. But it was not for Marnus Labuschagne, as he decided to take a nap on the team’s balcony during the World Test Championship final in 2023 against India. Australia had already taken a lead in the first innings, as David Warner and Usman Khawaja started the next.
The camera went towards the Australian team’s balcony, where Labuschagne was spotted sleeping. What fans and commentators thought was a short nap, more than 20 seconds, Labuschagne was sleeping while being caught on camera. However, who knew his sleep would be interrupted by the Indian bowlers soon?
Mohammed Siraj soon took the wicket of David Warner, after which a sleeping Labuschagne was set to come to bat. When the wicket fell and celebrations started within the Indian team, Labuschagne woke up immediately and started searching for his protective gear. The instant wake-up of Labuschagne and his search was also caught on camera, being a funny moment for the players and fans worldwide.
Food First for Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, the current captain of the Indian team in the T20 format, also had a funny moment in the dugout, which was fortunately caught on camera. This happened during the 2023 World Cup, in the league stage match between India and Australia.
During the chase, India stood three wickets down with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul at the crease. Suryakumar Yadav was not a part of the playing XI, since it was India’s first match in the World Cup, and the team already had a number of options with the bat. But when India was at the score of 12 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, the cameras went to Suryakumar Yadav.
He was spotted munching on some snacks, and as soon as he noticed the cameras were on him, he tried to look away. But his mouth was already stuffed with food, and even the commentators said the cameraman should let Suryakumar eat properly. Swiggy also reacted to this incident of Suryakumar Yadav being caught on camera, creating a meme fest on social media.
Rohit Doesn’t Hold Back on Gill
The former Indian Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has also been involved in some hilarious dugout moments in cricket. One such incident took place in the two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh. When India stood strong in the first Test match, it was all smiles for the Indian team even in the dugout.
But a hilarious moment took place involving Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. In India’s first innings, when Akash Deep and Ravichandran Ashwin were batting, the cameras went to the team’s dugout. At that time, Rohit Sharma was spotted patting Shubman Gill on his jaw, and the moment was caught by the cameraman.
Virat Kohli, who was sitting close to the Hitman, informed him that they were being recorded on camera. At this moment, Rohit Sharma tried his best to take the moment away and act like nothing happened between him and Shubman Gill, trying to act chill. But the commentators and fans had already seen everything, which made them burst into laughter.
Rohit Bullies Chahal on Camera
Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper in the ODI format, also holds yet another funny moment in the dugout, and this came in the ODI series between India and the West Indies. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were rested for the second ODI match, and players such as Axar Patel, Sanju Samson were given a chance ahead of the World Cup.
When fans thought they wouldn’t be able to see Rohit’s masterclass on the field, he decided to deliver one off the field. In the dugout, Rohit Sharma was captured on camera playfully slapping Yuzvendra Chahal on his back. This happened a few times, and the cameraman was lucky enough to catch them all on camera.
When the commentators asked about who is bullying Yuzvendra Chahal, the cameras shifted towards the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma. After this, the Hitman tried hiding his face from the camera to prove himself not guilty, as Virat Kohli and Yuzvendra Chahal burst into laughter.
Alyssa Healy’s Antics with Tahlia
Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain, has also been involved in having some hilarious moments in the dugout. During the ICC Women’s World Cup 2024, Alyssa Healy created a wholesome yet funny moment with her teammate Tahlia McGrath while both of them were at the dugout.
When the cameras went towards the Australian team’s dugout, Alyssa Healy started playing with the ears of Tahlia McGrath as she noticed the cameras. After that, she also did some playful antics, creating some funny poses on the camera while she sat behind Tahlia McGrath.
These moments were immediately caught on camera, making the commentators and fans break character. This moment was captured in the 11th over of the second innings, and it was also posted on the official social media handles of the T20 World Cup. Australia Women started strong in the T20 World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka Women with ease.
Kohli Dances in the Dugout
Whether Virat Kohli is playing for the team or he is in the dugout, his involvement has been crucial for the Indian line-up at every moment. In a match between India and South Africa, Virat Kohli was seen having a moment with Shikhar Dhawan in the dugout. Fans also say that both players would be thinking about the dance moves for the next reel.
In the match, Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply, going for a duck, despite which he thought of keeping himself involved. When the cameras shifted towards the dugout, he was seen performing some dance moves beside Shikhar Dhawan.
😂❤🕺 @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/y5YGdudkXU
— Sahil🎭 (@sahil_2917) January 21, 2022
The commentators also laughed at the same, and even Virat Kohli took some time to notice that his dance moves had been caught on camera. His character always adds a funny element to the game, whether he is on the field or sitting in the dugout. Shikhar Dhawan, on the other hand, known for his dance moves, is said to have unleashed the inner dancer of Virat Kohli in the game.
Why We Love These Dugout Moments
Cricket isn’t just about fierce battles on the field; it’s these light-hearted dugout moments that remind us of its human side. Watching players like Kohli dance, Labuschagne nap, or Rohit Sharma prank his teammates brings fans closer to their idols, showing that even the game’s giants love a good laugh. These bloopers break the tension and make cricket feel warmer, relatable, and more entertaining. After all, it’s not just the runs and wickets we remember, but also these little glimpses of pure, unfiltered joy.
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