Hemang Badani narrates how Sachin Tendulkar pranked Javagal Srinath

The ongoing lockdown has brought out many unheard tales of cricketers from their playing days. With everyone at home, the activity on social media has skyrocketed. Former India cricketer Hemang Badani shared one such amusing story from his career which spoke of how Sachin Tendulkar pranked Javagal Srinath in an ODI in 2002.

Badani recalled that Srinath had announced the 2002 ODI series between India and England to be his last (although he did go on to play till the 2003 World Cup). Srinath was quite nervous ahead of the game against England at Cuttack for unknown reasons and Tendulkar decided to help him relax with a little prank. Badani narrated the incident in a video on his Instagram account.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

?1️⃣ from #StorieswithHemangBadani – The story of how Sachin weaved a magical plan even before the start of a game to ensure Javagal Srinath had a very memorable outing. It also includes the story how I pretended nothing happened ?? It was a free flowing chat with @ruphas and hence the lovely story #Cricket #Sachin #TeamIndia #Srinath

A post shared by Hemang Badani (@hemangbadani76) on Jun 30, 2020 at 7:50am PDT

So while the team was practising, Tendulkar told Badani to switch his (Tendulkar’s) pants with Srinath’s. As Badani explained, Srinath being taller than Tendulkar, had long pants. He switched the pants while the team was preparing for the match. Srinath did not notice the difference and went on to the field with shorter pants.

“Srinath being Srinath doesn’t even care. He finishes his practice, gets back to the dressing room, puts his trousers on, gets on the field, bowls the first ball, and there are people laughing on the field. The Indian side is laughing on the field, and little does he realise what’s happened,” Badani said.

Srinath soon realised the gaffe and returned to the dressing room to wear his usual pants. He also asked Badani if he had a hand in it. Like a perfect accomplice, Badani replied,

“I don’t know, Sri, what you’re talking about. I don’t know what’s happening!”

Srinath eventually bowled nine overs and finished with figures of 1/44. The prank did help him cool down his nerves and focus on the game.