They say there is never a dull moment when Dhanraj Pillay is around. Be it his mesmerising runs on field or his off-field antics, Pillay has a hunch of hitting the headlines. Recalling some of the highs and lows of Pillay’s 15-year-long international careerThe highsTHE MAGIC RUN STARTS: Pillay grabbed the headlines on the world stage first at Sydney during ’94 World Cup. His signature long hair and gazelle-like runs meant hockey had a super star. He was also the lone Indian to be selected for World XI.GLORIOUS MOMENT IN CHENNAI: Pillay scores three as India avenge loss to Pakistan for the SAF gold. It still ranks as one of the most memorable moment of his career.GOLD AT ASIAD: His most cherished moment. In 1998, India regained the Asian Games gold after a gap of 32 years under his captaincy. Leading by example he scored 10 goals in the tournament. OLD WINE GETS BETTER: The 2002 Champions Trophy match against Pakistan at Cologne (German) will stand out as the most lethal display seen from the 34-year-old Pillay in the latter phase of his career so far. He won the MVP award in the tournament.ASIA CUP TITLE: Dhanraj led the team to their maiden title, that too on his favourite ground - Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Jalil Stadium in September, 2003.The lowsSHAME AT CHENNAI: During the 1996 Champions Trophy in Chennai, the Indian team was returning to the dressing room after losing a match when Pillay suddenly lost his temper. He jumped into the stands and assaulted one of the spectators. Later, Pillay tried to justify his act, saying that the person had abused his mother and sister.BANGKOK NIGHTMARE: Pillay along with five seniors and coach MK Kaushik are sacked winning the gold at the 1998 Asian Games. The reason as many felt was their criticism of IHF president KPS Gill and secretary-general K Jothikumaran.RIFT WITH THE JUNIORS: After India’s loss to Pakistan in the medal playoff of the 2002 Champions Trophy, Pillay accused players from Punjab of not passing th he ball to him. The regional lobbies got hyperactive in the team after that incident.DHANRAJ UNPLUGGED: Dhanraj pushed and abused umpire Javed Shaikh over a penalty corner decision live on TV at the Nehru Cup final against traditional rival Punjab Police at Delhi’s Shivaji Stadium in 2002-03.DHANRAJ UNPLUGGED II: Instead of celebration, there was fighting between chief coach Rajinder Singh and Pillay moments after they reached Chennai airport from their Asia Cup triumph. Another reality TV episode.
