Lesser-Known Facts: Cricket, often regarded as a sport of tradition and history, has produced countless legendary players. Some of these cricketers are household names, while others have quietly contributed to the game in various ways. While statistics and records dominate cricket discussions, there are many lesser-known facts about international cricketers that reflect their diverse personalities, unique skills, and contributions off the field. In this article, we explore some of these intriguing and lesser-known facts.
1. Sir Donald Bradman: The Pilot Who Never Flew
Lesser-Known Facts: Sir Donald Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket, is most famous for his astonishing batting average of 99.94. However, many are unaware that Bradman had a keen interest in aviation and was an amateur pilot. Bradman even went as far as obtaining his pilot’s license. Yet, despite his love for flying, he never piloted an aircraft in a formal capacity, as his natural caution and the responsibilities of his cricket career kept him grounded.
Lesser-Known Facts About Donald Bradman:
- Favorite Hobby: Apart from cricket, Bradman had a passion for gardening and was an avid collector of books and artworks.
- Post-Retirement: Bradman played a key role in the development of cricket, working as an administrator and later as the chairman of the Australian selection panel.
- Unseen Talent: In his youth, Bradman was also a brilliant tennis player.
2. Sachin Tendulkar: The Secret Violinist
Lesser-Known Facts: Sachin Tendulkar is known worldwide as the “Little Master” and is arguably the most iconic cricketer of all time. He has over 34,000 international runs and is the only player to score 100 international centuries. What many fans don’t know is that Tendulkar has a deep connection with music, especially the violin.
Tendulkar was gifted a violin by his wife, Anjali, and he started learning how to play it. Although he is not a professional musician, the violin has been a source of relaxation for him during his long cricketing career.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sachin Tendulkar:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Pet Preference | Tendulkar has a love for dogs. He has had multiple pet dogs and even named them after famous cricketers. |
| Education | Tendulkar is a graduate in commerce. He completed his education while balancing cricket. |
| Unusual Rituals | He had a superstitious ritual of wearing two pairs of socks while batting during his career. |
3. Shane Warne: The Poker Enthusiast
Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, is known for his incredible control, sharp deliveries, and off-field antics. While his on-field brilliance is undisputed, one lesser-known fact is that Warne was also an avid poker player. He often participated in high-stakes poker tournaments and even took part in some celebrity poker events. Warne’s success at the poker table was often compared to his cricketing prowess, with many highlighting his ability to make calculated decisions under pressure.
Lesser-Known Facts About Shane Warne:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Coaching | Warne reportedly gave private coaching sessions to cricketers from around the world, including Rangana Herath. |
| Acting Career | Warne appeared as a commentator and actor in a few TV series and advertisements. |
| Charitable Work | He was known for his extensive charitable work, including helping children with cancer. |
4. Jacques Kallis: The Cricketing All-Rounder Who Loved Rugby
Jacques Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, is often remembered for his incredible balance of batting and bowling skills. With over 10,000 runs and 290 wickets in Test cricket, Kallis was a key figure in South Africa’s cricketing history. What many don’t know is that Kallis was also an avid rugby player before he decided to focus solely on cricket. In his younger years, he was a talented rugby union player and was even selected to represent his school at the sport.
Lesser-Known Facts About Jacques Kallis:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Batsman/Bowler Fusion | Kallis was known for switching his role between batsman and bowler depending on the team’s requirements. |
| Cricketing Legacy | His family has a rich cricketing background, with his father and grandfather also playing the sport. |
| Impressive Fitness | Kallis was renowned for his fitness level, especially considering his size, which was atypical for an all-rounder. |
5. Virender Sehwag: The Digital Entrepreneur
Virender Sehwag is celebrated for his explosive batting style and his ability to score quickly in all formats of the game. His unique approach to batting, often taking on bowlers with disdain, made him a fan favorite. After retirement, Sehwag has stayed in the limelight not just as a commentator but also as a digital entrepreneur. He has successfully created a cricket-related mobile application that provides fans with news, scores, and exclusive content.
Lesser-Known Facts About Virender Sehwag:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| The Mentor | Sehwag has been a mentor for the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and often provides young cricketers with valuable insights. |
| Author | Sehwag is also an author, having written the autobiography “Sehwag: The Nawab of Najafgarh” that chronicles his career. |
| Distinctive Fitness Routine | Sehwag followed a fitness regimen where he emphasized mental toughness over physical exercises. |
6. Brian Lara: The World’s Best Table Tennis Player
Brian Lara, the West Indian batting maestro known for his iconic innings like the 400 against England*, has another unique talent that isn’t widely known – he is an outstanding table tennis player. Lara is often spotted playing table tennis in his leisure time, and he has been known to compete against other cricketing greats, including Sachin Tendulkar, with his quick reflexes and precision.
Lesser-Known Facts About Brian Lara:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Charitable Work | Lara set up the Brian Lara Foundation to help children in need of educational support in the West Indies. |
| Early Career | Lara’s first love was football. He played as a forward before turning to cricket full-time. |
| Record-Breaking Innings | Lara’s 400 not out is still the highest individual score in first-class cricket, a record that stands unchallenged. |
7. Kumar Sangakkara: The Lawyer and Speaker
Kumar Sangakkara, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, is admired for his elegance and consistency behind the stumps and at the crease. Known for his sharp cricketing intellect, Sangakkara is also a qualified lawyer and is widely regarded as one of the most articulate cricketers ever. After retiring from cricket, he became a well-known public speaker, often delivering keynotes at prestigious events, including the MCC and ICC events.
Lesser-Known Facts About Kumar Sangakkara:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Sangakkara completed his law degree at the University of Colombo while still pursuing cricket. |
| Writings | He is also a columnist and has written extensively on political and social issues. |
| Aviation Enthusiast | Sangakkara has expressed a desire to become a pilot in his post-cricket life. |
Conclusion
International cricketers are often seen in the spotlight for their athletic prowess and record-breaking achievements. However, behind their cricketing careers lies a treasure trove of lesser-known facts that reveal the multi-faceted personalities of these icons. Whether it’s Sachin Tendulkar’s violin skills, Shane Warne’s poker adventures, or Jacques Kallis’s rugby background, these facts add depth to our understanding of these cricketers, showing that they are not just athletes but individuals with rich, diverse lives off the field. These lesser-known aspects make them even more fascinating and remind us that there is more to these cricketing legends than what meets the eye.