Cricket is a religion here and this is a fact known by one and all. But even the most ardent cricket fans might not know a few things about the game. Fret not, because now with Epic Channel’s brand new show – Mid Wicket Tales With Naseeruddin Shah, you’ll find out such insane trivia about India’s favourite sport, even your father will be stunned when you correct him while he’s sprouting statistics. Doubting us aren’t you? Check out some rare trivia from the show right away!
1) Here’s something about the Little Master
Before making his test debut for India, Sachin Tendulkar was actually part of a touring Pakistan side led by Imran Khan as a substitute fielder during an exhibition game at the CCI, Mumbai.
2) We’re sure you never knew THIS about Kapil Dev!
Kapil Dev has never been run out in his cricketing career! Woohoo!
3) Sunil Gavaskar found out how he became the captain in the most interesting way possible!
The news that Sunil Gavaskar had become the captain of the Indian cricket team was announced by the pilot of the flight he was in.
4) Three Indian cricket captains had a common salutation.
Three former Indian captains were known as Colonel – CK Nayudu, Hemu Adhikari and Dilip Vengsarkar.
5) Let’s just say, Sunil Gavaskar has had a very interesting life since childhood itself!
Sunil Gavaskar was almost exchanged at birth – it was his uncle who had noticed a tiny hole in his earlobe who detected the mix-up and the real Gavaskar was brought back to his mother.
6) Sandeep Patil and Sayed Kirmani starred in a movie together!
Sandeep Patil played the hero and Syed Kirmani played the villain in the film ‘Kabhie Ajnabi The‘
7) Sunil Gavaskar starred in a movie too!
He acted in this movie called Malamaal which also had Naseeruddin Shah. Co-incidence? We think not!
8) Yuvraj Singh was awesome at another sport apart from cricket.
He was a junior national level skating champion!
9) MJ Gopalan played two sports too!
He played both International Hockey and cricket for India!
10) Kapil Dev achieved a feat similar to Yuvraj’s six sixes to Stuart Broad at the 2007 T20 World Cup!
He once hit England’s spinner Eddie Hemmings four successive sixes in an over to save a follow on for India.
11) Two of India’s best openers were born in the same hospital in Mumbai!
Gavaskar and Anshuman Gaekwad! #Judwaa
12) Sourav Ganguly played his first ever Ranji Trophy game in unusual circumstances!
He played the game replacing his elder brother Snehashish Ganguly.
13) Lata Mangeshkar sang the song called Bharat Vishwa Vijeta composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar with the 1983 World Cup winning team during a concert!
This song was composed and played to raise money to facilitate them.
14) Sunil Gavaskar once played left-handed against Karnataka spinner Raghuram Bhat during a Ranji trophy game
He’s a right-handed batsman, thus proving that Mr. Gavaskar is a star!
15) And finally, Sachin Tendulkar wanted to become a fast bowler and went to MRF Pace Foundation!
He was dissuaded by Dennis Lilee due to his small and frail structure. In hindsight we think that was the best decision he ever made!
Want more trivia? WATCH THE SHOW!
This post is in partnership with our friends at The Epic Channel. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.