Cricket is a sport that calls for a lot of talent, fervor, and commitment. On the other hand, it also has a number of risks and hazards, both on and off the field.
While playing or practicing the game, many cricketers have suffered from sickness, injuries, and even passed away. However, some cricket players have also been involved in tragic car accidents that have either resulted in their deaths or seriously injured them. A few cricketers who have been in vehicle accidents over the years are listed below:
Rishabh Pant: Injured in a vehicle accident in 2022, Rishabh Pant, an explosive wicketkeeper-batsman from India, retired from international cricket. He crashed with a divider while operating his Mercedes on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, causing his vehicle to catch fire. He was able to flee the car before it caught fire by smashing through the windscreen. His head, back, leg, wrist, ankle, and toe were all hurt. He was sent to a medical facility in Roorkee, had surgery, and was later listed in stable condition12345. He had almost 4000 runs scored for India in 34 Tests, 23 ODIs, and 35 T20Is.
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, commonly known as Tiger Pataudi, was the former captain of India and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. In a 1961 vehicle accident, he lost his right eye. He was driving home from a game in Sussex when his automobile hit another car. At the time, he was only 20 years old, and saving his left eye required multiple operations. Despite this setback, he continued to play for India and led them in 40 Test matches, leading to over 2700 runs.
Andrew Symonds: In 2022, a car accident claimed the life of the Australian all-rounder and two-time World Cup champion Andrew Symonds. He was traveling alone when his automobile veered off the road and began to roll numerous times close to Townsville, Queensland. He had left international cricket in 2009 at the age of 46. His aggressive batting, bowling, and fielding techniques were well-known.
Mohammad Azharuddin: Mohammad Azharuddin, a former Indian captain and one of the best batsmen of his period, pulled through a vehicle crash in 2020. His car overturned on a Rajasthani highway when he and his family were driving to Ranthambore. After obtaining first attention for his minor wounds, he was released from the hospital. He had almost 15000 runs scored for India in 334 ODIs and 99 Tests.
Mohammed Shami, an important player on the current team and an Indian fast bowler, was involved in a car accident in 2018. His car struck a truck when he was driving from Dehradun to Delhi. He had 10 stitches on his head and minor injuries. His wife had just accused him of domestic abuse, and the BCCI was looking into the matter.
Sunil Gavaskar: In a car accident in 2014, the illustrious Indian opener and the first player to amass 10,000 Test runs, Sunil Gavaskar, managed to walk away unharmed. After the third Test match between England and India, he was traveling from Manchester to London with other commentators when his car collided with another vehicle. He didn’t sustain any injuries because he was restrained by his seatbelt. He got nearly 13000 runs during his 125 Test and 108 ODI appearances for India.
Joginder Sharma: In 2011, a car accident left the Indian medium-pacer, who was the hero of the 2007 T20 World Cup final, with head damage. In Delhi, he was operating his car when it collided with another vehicle. He underwent surgery after being taken to the hospital quickly. He grabbed eight wickets while representing India in four ODIs and four T20Is.
Praveen Kumar: The 2023 vehicle accident involving Indian swing bowler and former World Cup participant Praveen Kumar. While he and his kid were traveling in Meerut, their car was struck by a lorry. He and his son were lucky to get out unscathed. He had taken over 100 wickets while representing India in six Tests, 68 ODIs, and ten T20Is.
These cricket players are a few who have experienced car accidents in their lives. While some of them overcame the catastrophe and resumed their careers, others lost their lives or gave up playing the sport. We wish them the best of luck in the future and pray that they find serenity or have a speedy recovery.
